ONE of Britain’s biggest airports is set to get new overnight trains that’ll provide transport for thousands of passengers a year.
The new service will connect late night arrivals and early morning departures from the airport to stations across the line, meaning more passengers can travel sustainably.
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Great Western Railway is trialling new night services to Gatwick AirportCredit: Alamy
Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced it will be trialling overnight train services between Reading and Gatwick Airport.
Currently, over 20% of Gatwick passengers can’t use rail services from the Thames Valley due to the earliest and latest trains excluding many flight times.
But the trial will enable thousands of passengers to use rail transport on their journey to the airport.
Current services only run between 4:30am and 11:30pm, leaving a big gap for commuters and holidaymakers trying to get to the airport.
GWR said: “We’re very pleased to announce that through partnering with Gatwick Airport, this summer we will trial overnight services between Reading and the airport along the North Downs Line.
“The trial will involve GWR running overnight services on Friday and Sunday nights from 5 June to 11 September 2026.
“Services will run approximately every 2 hours and will call at Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport.”
The trial means the rail company can measure passenger numbers and work out whether overnight services work operationally and commercially.
If it is successful, the new service hours will mean late night and early morning flight passengers across the network can travel by rail whilst making it easier for shift workers to commute.
Currently over 20% of Gatwick passengers can’t use rail services from the Thames ValleyCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
IF YOU are looking for your next holiday spot, then you could head to a European city two hours from the UK that has just got new flights from a major airport.
Budget airline easyJet has launched flights from Manchester Airport to Montpellier in France.
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easyJet has launched new flights to Montpellier in FranceCredit: GettyThe flights to the French city will operate twice a week on Mondays and FridaysCredit: Getty – Contributor
The flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, throughout the summer season and cost as little as £26.99 per way.
The historic city of Montpellier is found in southern France, around six miles from the Mediterranean Sea.
The city is often dubbed one of the sunniest in France thanks to boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
The city’s Mediterranean climate means that it has mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Because the city has a lot of sunshine, there is a lot to do outdoors in Montpellier including heading to the medieval Old Town where you will find narrow, winding streets with historic townhouses and a number of independent boutiques.
Another highlight of the Old Town is heading to Place de la Comédie, which is a lively square with the Three Graces fountain.
You can also head to Saint-Pierre Cathedral which dates back to the 14th century and has a fortress-like appearance.
In the Antigone district, which is mostly pedestrianised, has lots of fascinating architecture to explore, including copies of famous Greco-Roman sculptures.
For a mix of nature and history, venture to the Botanical Garden, which is the oldest one in France, founded back in 1593.
The garden features a bamboo forest, orange trees, a lotus pond where you might spot some carp and a greenhouse with a myriad of cacti.
You can even make a wish in the wishing tree called Phallaire.
If you fancy a nice walk, head to the Saint-Clément aqueduct.
Built in the 18th century, the dual-level aqueduct is responsible for the fountains littered across the city.
The city benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a yearCredit: Getty
Each Tuesday and Saturday, you will also be able to catch a market at the foot of the aqueduct.
If you don’t mind heading slightly out of the city, then there are a number of chateaux you can explore, including Château De Flaugergues – a 19th-century chateau with Flemish tapestries and pretty gardens.
It costs £9.98 per person to visit.
The city has a number of hotels to choose from, including Pullman La Pléiade Montpellier Centre, which costs from £166 per night.
The hotel can be found in the centre of the city and features a panoramic rooftop pool and restaurant.
Alternatively, you could head to the Radisson Blu Hotel for £107 per night, which also boasts an outdoor pool as well.
When out and about in the city, you can expect to spend about €55 (£47.75) on a mid-range three course meal for two and between €4 (£3.47) and €5 (£4.34) for a beer.
The flights cost from just £26.99 per wayCredit: Getty
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are really pleased to be celebrating our inaugural flights to the fantastic city of Montpellier, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast.
“By introducing new connections from Manchester on our unrivalled leisure network, customers from across the northwest can now enjoy even more choice this summer to book and travel with ease.”
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “Montpellier is not currently served by any other airline so passengers planning a holiday to the south of France this summer will have even more choice of destinations when flying from Manchester.
“We’re sure this new route will prove extremely popular.”
A MAJOR holiday park has reopened after a huge £5million revamp with loads of brand new attractions, and what’s even better – you can stay there with The Sun’s new Hols from £9.50 campaign.
You can access these offers early by signing up to Sun Clubfor just £1.99 a month, where members gain automatic access onto the website one day earlier than everyone else, at just past midnight.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols From £9.50 page. Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
That’s a whole 24 hours headstart, as the Sun newspaper readers who are collecting tokens get access to the holidays on April 1.
Vauxhall Holiday park’s two to three room caravans sleep up to eight people, while the park also offers apartments and luxury lodges.
Great Yarmouth on Norfolk‘s east coast has long been one of the UK’s top beach resorts for holidaymakers seeking sand and sun.
The town boasts a soft sand beach known as ‘the golden mile’, with plenty of shops, cafes andrestaurantswithin a short walking distance.
Smack-bang on the beachfront is Joyland, a historic amusement park with plenty of classic rides that are sure to fill you with nostalgia.
This colourful family theme park is perfect for little ones, home to mini rollercoasters and the award-winning Super Snails. The attraction is free to enter, with ride tokens costing £3 each.
For older kids, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is sure to go down a treat with an exciting mix of white-knuckle thrills, child friendly rides and even a 4D cinema.
Undoubtedly the star of the show is a traditional wooden roller coaster, which first opened in 1932 and one of only two still standing in the UK.
All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50
There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
Great Yarmouth has been one of the UK’s most popular beach staycations for centuriesCredit: Alamy
AS Brits frantically try and choose their summer holiday destination this year amid the Middle East crisis, let me sell you a slightly different place to go.
Lima, the capital of Peru, almost feels European, and has much cheaper food, hotels… and booze.
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The city of Lima feels European but barely any Brits goCredit: GettyI visited last year and it became my new favourite destinationParque del Amor (Love Park) was inspired by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
The seaside city is the second largest desert city in the world (after Cairo) meaning barely any rain, and highs of 27C.
It is often overlooked as a travel destination, especially those heading straight over to Machu Picchu instead.
But despite just spending a few days in Lima myself, it became one of my favourite cities.
First up, safety – most of Peru is still safe to travel to, which includes Lima.
And as a young woman, I never felt unsafe while walking around early for a coffee or late at night for a drink.
Our guide told us this huge change in recent years – when it wasn’t so safe – is due to the number of community officers around, who are on hand to help tourists who visit.
When it comes to exploring the city, I was transported to the surf towns of Portugal by the huge surfing community in Lima.
It has some of the best waves in the world, and the sheer number of cyclists with boards on their bike and surf shacks offering lessons was huge.
Then there is the colourful Barranco neighbourhood, named one of the best in the world and known for its colourful street art that is everchanging.
Here is where you’ll feel its Latin American routes, with live music on the streets and bars selling the famous Pisco Sour cocktails.
Time Out said: “It’s long had a bohemian vibe, famously fantastical murals, world-class art galleries, boutique hotels and hopping bars.
“And while it’s lost none of its wild roots, the area is now incubating some of the best restaurants in the world”.
Maido was named the no.1 restaurant in the world last year, while I headed to Mayta which often makes the top 40.
I opted out of the tasting menu, but still managed to enjoy a delicious deconstrusted paella, a side and a glass of wine for under £50.
The ‘godfather of modern Peruvian cuisine’ Gastón Acurio told local media: “Lima is a gastronomic destination coveted by kitchen lovers.
“Not only because of its restaurants, which compete equally with Europe, but because behind this recognition there is something deeper — a city that has made its cuisine parallel to everyday life.
“From award-winning restaurants to carts, from ceviche shops to chifas, eating in Lima is one way to travel the entire country in a single day.”
Want to eat on a budget? You can easily get snacks and drinks for under £5 from food stalls.
I managed to find an Emoliente (a sugary hangover drink) as well as a famous pork sandwich and sweet doughnuts called ‘Picarones’ for under a fiver altogether.
Or some restaurants offer the “menú del día” or menu of thte day for not much either.
Usually including a drink, soup and main dish, this can be found for under £4.
Beers can also be found for around £1.50 in local bars as well.
Picarones, a typical Peruvian dessert cost a few poundsCredit: GettyBarranco was even named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoodsCredit: Getty
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Belpoint Beach Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
This hotel is surrounded by the forests of the Toros Mountains, giving your outdoor swim a pretty impressive backdrop. With a pool decorated with colourful parasols and a waterslide, this pretty resort also has plenty to do indoors, including a sauna and a Turkish bath to unwind in.
The huge resort has 363 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or gardens. All-inclusive food includes three daily meals in the main buffet restaurant, as well as drinks and snacks such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers at the pizzeria snack bar. If you fancy getting out and exploring, the town centre is a 10 minute drive away.
Terramar Calella puts you right in the thick of the action, with the sea on one side and the buzzing promenade on the other. Here, days start with sea swims and end with sunset drinks. Platja Gran Calella is the area’s largest beach, and here it’s right on your doorstep.
This Corfu resort was built for families, buzzing with entertainment and activities. With four adult pools, three kids pools, a mini waterpark and a beach on your doorstep, there’s plenty of spots for you to stretch out on a sun lounger and for the kids to splash around. And as the day winds down to a close, the party starts with mini discos, Greek dancing, lively quiz nights and karaoke.
Otherwise make sure to try fantastic chocolate and coffee shops, with Lima being one of the top exporters to the rest of the world for both.
Free activities include the Spanish-style Love Park, inspired by Park Güell in Barcelona or the Museum of Art (MALI) on Tuesdays.
And the Historic Centre of Lima has elements of European architecture too, dating between the 16th and 19th centuries.
If you don’t mind sharing a room, you can find hostel beds for as little a £13 a night.
But if not, even hotels can be found for around £33 a night, such as Ibis – so £16.50 each a night when sharing.
The only thing getting in the way of Lima becoming a popular destination with Brits is the getting there.
LATAM previously had direct flights from London Heathrow to Lima but these were suspended back in 2023, with no current plans on when they will return.
Instead, Brits have to fly via Europe so with changes in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris.
This takes the trip from around 12 hours to 16 hours, and costing around £500 return.
But there is some good news – the new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima opened last summer, which is likely to encourage airlines to launch flights.
And airline LEVEL is launching direct flights from Barcelona to Lima from June.
So if you want to visit a unique city with surfing vibes, colourful neighbourhoods and insanely cheap food and drink? Add Lima to your 2026 list.
Being a seaside city, expect lots of surfers tooCredit: Imágenes del PerúThe best way to get to the city is via Madrid, Paris or AmsterdamCredit: Getty
IF you’re wondering where the next big holiday trend is coming from, I can save you some time.
It’s not a brand new destination, and it’s not somewhere “undiscovered”.
The 1990s were a peak for all-over tans at any costCredit: Getty ImagesBut the same resorts are now great for family breaks with school summer holidays dates from £58pp a nightCredit: Getty
It’s the places your parents went in the 90s.
I spend most of my time looking at holiday booking data, and this one trend keeps jumping out.
A whole wave of classic British package holiday resorts are making a serious comeback in 2026.
And the reason is simple: they’re still ridiculously good value.
From Europe to Africa, here are my top 10 cheap holiday spots that are booming again… and the deals you can get right now.
10. Skanes, Tunisia
Skanes is a proper throwback to 90s package holidays – big beachfront hotels, short transfers, and everything centred around the resort.
And now, it’s having one of the biggest comebacks I’ve seen in the data, with bookings to Tunisia up massively again heading into 2026.
I found a really strong all-inclusive deal here – 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Liberty Resort, flying from London Southend (16–23 Aug 2026), from £535pp for a family of four. That’s roughly £76pp per night, and crucially, it’s all-inclusive.
What makes this one work is how family-friendly it is – big pool areas, loads going on for kids, and everything included, so you’re not constantly spending.
And the reason it’s this cheap is simple. Tunisia is still rebuilding demand, so hotels are pricing low to win Brits back. Which means right now, you’re getting proper beachfront value for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
Our holiday expert found an all-inclusive deal in Skanes, Tunisia from just £76pp per nightCredit: Getty
9. Calpe, Costa Blanca, Spain
Calpe was huge with British tourists in the 80s and early 90s – classic Spanish seaside, big beaches and that iconic rock backdrop.
Now it’s trending again in 2026, as people look for more relaxed, less chaotic alternatives to bigger resorts.
I found a great-value summer deal – 7 nights at the 4* AR Diamante Beach, flying from Bournemouth (3–10 Aug 2026), from £588pp for a family of four. That’s about £84pp per night, on a bed & breakfast basis.
This hotel stands out because it feels a bit more premium than your typical Costa Blanca stay – big modern rooms, great pool area, and close to the beach without being chaotic.
It’s cheaper because it’s not trying to be flashy or all-inclusive heavy. And for families, that works – because you can eat out cheaply and control your spending instead.
The coastal town of Calpe is situated in Costa Blanca, and is famous for the Peñón de Ifach rockCredit: Getty
8. Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada was unbelievably popular in the 2000s all-inclusive boom, thanks to massive resorts, guaranteed heat and loads included in the price.
And now it’s properly back again, with bookings climbing fast into 2026.
This one’s properly eye-opening – 7 nights at the 4* Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa, flying from Belfast (22–29 Aug 2026), from £668pp for a family of four. That’s around £95pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.
What makes it great for families is the waterpark setup with slides, multiple pools and enough going on to keep kids busy all week without leaving the hotel.
This is why Egypt is flying with Brits right now, despite its proximity to the Iran conflict. Because once you arrive, everything’s covered.
Flights are longer, which keeps demand slightly lower, but for families, that means ridiculous value for what you get.
You can stay a week at the 4* Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa from £95pp per nightCredit: Alamy
7. Hammamet, Tunisia
Hammamet was one of the classic British beach holidays of the 90s – long sandy beaches, big hotels and loads of all-inclusive resorts.
Just like Skanes, it’s seeing a massive resurgence heading into 2026.
I spotted this while digging through peak summer prices – 7 nights at the 4* Houda Yasmine Hammamet, flying from London Southend (23–30 Aug 2026), from £553pp for a family of four. That’s about £79pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.
It’s a proper classic family hotel with a massive pool, entertainment, and everything geared around easy, no-stress holidays.
Again, the price comes down to perception catching up with reality.
The hotels are good, the weather’s great – but demand hasn’t fully returned yet. So you’re benefiting from that gap.
Hammamet in Tunisia offers some of the most affordable 4 and 5* stays on the marketCredit: Getty
6. Salou, Costa Dorada, Spain
Salou was massive with British families in the 90s and early 2000s with beaches, family hotels and PortAventura right next door.
And now it’s flying back again in 2026 as families rediscover how easy it is.
I couldn’t ignore this deal – 7 nights at the 4* 4R Playa Park, flying from Birmingham (21–28 Aug 2026), from £408pp for a family of four. That’s just £58pp per night, on a bed & breakfast basis.
This is exactly what Salou does well: simple, well-located hotels with good pools and easy access to everything – and at a really great price too.
And it’s such great value because you’re not paying for extras upfront.
But in Salou, that’s ideal – everything locally is affordable, so you can build your own budget holiday.
Salou in Spain is a great-value resort with lively nightlife and the PortAventura theme parkCredit: Getty
5. Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain
Torremolinos is where the British package holiday basically started back in the 60s and 70s.
And in 2026, it’s trending hard again thanks to how easy and reliable it is.
I found a really solid summer option here – 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Apartamentos Bajondillo, flying from Bournemouth (22–29 Aug 2026), from £518pp for a family of four. That’s about £74pp per night, on a self-catering basis.
What makes this one great is the location, as it sits right on the beachfront, with loads nearby, and perfect if you want flexibility with food and spending.
It’s not the cheapest on the list, but you’re paying for convenience – short transfer, loads to do, and no surprises.
Torremolinos in Malaga is a reliable holiday resort with package holidays from £74pp per nightCredit: Getty
4. Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain
Benidorm was the capital of British holidays in the 80s and 90s, and now a whole new generation is discovering it.
Bookings are up again in 2026, especially with younger families and couples.
I found this cracking value deal – 7 nights at the 3* Terralta Apartments, flying from Dublin (23–30 Aug 2026), from £403pp for a family of four. That’s roughly £58pp per night, on a self-catering basis.
It’s ideal for families too, as it’s home to spacious apartments, a big pool, and a quieter location just outside the main strip.
And this one’s cheap simply because Benidorm is built for volume: loads of apartments, loads of competition – which keeps prices low.
Best part is, once you’re there, everything else is cheap too.
Benidorm remains an affordable holiday destination for Brits, with deals from £58pp per nightCredit: Getty
3. Sousse, Tunisia
Sousse has always been one of Tunisia’s most popular beach resorts – big hotels, great beaches and loads of all-inclusive options.
And just like the rest of Tunisia, it’s seeing a huge comeback into 2026.
One of the best-value all-inclusive deals I found – 7 nights at the 4* El Ksar Resort & Thalasso, flying from London Southend (16–23 Aug 2026), from £583pp for a family of four. That’s about £83pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.
This is exactly what families want – beachfront setting, slides, big pool areas and everything included from day one.
This is where the value really shows.
Because when everything’s included, you’re not constantly spending – which makes it one of the easiest holidays to budget for.
Tunisia’s Sousse is home to a UNESCO World Heritage medina and your pick of beachesCredit: GettySome of the most popular beaches in Sousse, Tunisia are Bou Jaafar and Samara BeachCredit: Alamy
2. El Arenal, Majorca, Spain
El Arenal was massive in the charter flight era – big beach, loads of hotels and right next to Palma.
And now Majorca, and El Arenal in particular, is firmly back on the rise again in 2026.
I found a peak summer Majorca deal that really stood out – 7 nights at the 3* BLUESEA Costa Verde, flying from Bournemouth (19–26 Aug 2026), from £580pp for a family of four. That’s about £83pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.
What makes this one work is simplicity – good pool, food included, and a no-frills base in a super easy destination.
It’s slightly pricier because Majorca never really goes out of demand.
But you’re paying for ease – short flight, reliable weather and a destination that just works.
1. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh was one of the BIGGEST British holiday hotspots of the 2000s.
And now it’s making the biggest comeback of all destinations worldwide heading into 2026.
And this is where the value really hits home – 7 nights at the 4* Xperience Saint George Homestay, flying from London Luton (5–12 Aug 2026), from £650pp for a family of four. That’s around £93pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive, in great hotel, with guaranteed heat.
This hotel is built for proper relaxation with multiple pools, loads of food options and everything set up so you barely need to leave. Just turn up, pay for nothing, and leave rested, relaxed and tanned.
And the reason it’s such good value, even in the summer holidays, is simple.
Flights have only relatively recently come back at scale, so demand is still catching up. But the hotels are still world-class.
Which means right now, you’re getting proper 4* all-inclusive… for less than most self-catering holidays in Europe.
Al Sahaba Mosque is a spectacular landmark to visit in Sharm El SheikhCredit: GettyYou can stay in Sharm’s Xperience St.George Homestay from just £93pp per nightCredit: EasyJet
IT’S difficult to improve on looking out over the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
Unless, of course, you’re sitting in an outdoor hot tub, drink in hand, looking out at over 1,000 acres of pure idyllic scenery.
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The Sun’s Richard Moriarty and his boys with the Land RoverCredit: SuppliedSkipton waterside is so prettyCredit: Alamy
Half-term breaks can be difficult. Like most, we want sun but can’t necessarily afford it. So we loaded up the car with walking boots, big coats and footballs.
We left Manchester and, to the delight of our boys, who hate long journeys, travelled exactly one hour and ten minutes to Skipton.
The town’s castle is a must-see, so we headed there and wandered around the 900-year-old medieval building, threatening to lock the kids in the dungeon.
Given its location on the high street, we easily found a cafe, had some lunch and fuelled up on sweets at a pick-and-mix shop.
Lemon sherbets tucked in our pockets, we wandered up a path to Skipton Woods, a lovely 45-minute stroll along the River Aire.
A historical building, sweets and a family walk completed, we jumped back into the car and 15 minutes later checked into the Coniston Hotel & Spa.
Our family suite was spacious and well-equipped, with two Z-beds for the boys in a connecting room.
But the jewel in the crown was the balcony and its view over the hotel’s 1,000 acres.
After logging onto the wifi, we left the kids in the room and walked to the adults-only Nadarra Spa, spending a couple of hours swimming, sweating and swigging as sheep trotted around a neighbouring field.
The spa is well-equipped with a 15-metre pool, three saunas, a bubble pool and two piping hot infinity pools. When we visited it was 4C outside, so once you’re in the outdoor pools, you’re unlikely to get back out, especially if the staff keep topping up your glass.
But with dinner booked, we dragged ourselves back to the room to get ready before going for a drink in Macleod’s Bar.
We then went to The View restaurant, where we demolished steak supplied by a local butcher.
The next day, we took advantage of the family swim (9am-10am), then had a leisurely walk around the hotel estate, taking in the lake and the endless fields before navigating a field full of bemused sheep.
After lunch, while my wife enjoyed a Sothys Organics Face And Body Ritual, the boys and I took part in a Land Rover Young Off-Roader Experience.
The next hour was great fun as both kids drove a Land Rover Discovery up and down some very big hills and into almost a metre of water, under the watchful eye of a calm instructor.
For the last night, we enjoyed lovely crab and chicken dishes washed down with Yorkshire tea.
So we didn’t get the sun, and we might still have sheep droppings on our boots, but we did have a lovely couple of days in Yorkshire.
GO: NORTH YORKSHIRE
STAYING THERE: A Deluxe Family Suite at the Coniston Hotel & Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton, is from £325 per night, B&B, based on two adults and two children.
THE price of holidays has skyrocketed in recent weeks, partially due to the rising cost of fuel.
But even in the school holidays, your summer getaway doesn’t have to break the bank as we’ve found some incredible deals to the top tourist destinations.
Hotel Club Jandia Princess is a family-friendly mega resort bookable from £498ppCredit: TUI
We’ve scoured the internet to find the best resorts you can stay in for less this summer, and the best part is, they don’t compromise on comfort, location or activities.
Many of these resorts are set smack-bang on the beach, and each price is calculated with an all-inclusive package, meaning there’s no need to spend any extra cash on dining out.
Here are 20 of the best all-inclusive resorts to escape to this summer, with top picks from the Greek islands, Ibiza, Tenerife and more.
Magic Cristal Park, Benidorm
Magic Cristal Park is a top pick for a Benidorm break, especially with its ‘ultra all-inclusive’ offer.
While the standard all-inclusive is already generous, this upgrade includes premium drinks and even a beachfront brunch.
Plus, if you’re staying for four nights or more, you’ll get a range of excursions thrown in for free.
You can choose from the Medieval Magic Robin Hood Challenge, the Princesses and Knights show, and a trip to a live magic show.
And if you stay for at least seven nights, you’ll even get entry to Terra Natura Animal Park and Aqua Natura Water Park included.
This all-inclusive paradise is a massive win for families who want an action-packed holiday without the extra costs that come with excursions.
TUI offer a 5-night stay from 17 August, including return flights from Glasgow from £490pp.
AQI Aqua Mirage Club, Marrakech, Morocco
With its own water park, wave machine and a selection of slides, this resort in Morocco‘s Marrakech is loved by families.
This sprawling resort lets you soak up the North African sunshine with a much more spacious, out-of-town feel than the smaller hotels in the city centre.
This resort has everything you’ll need for your summer holiday in one spot.
You can spend days tackling the on-site waterpark with its own water castle, or hitting the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
When it comes to food and drink, the all-inclusive buffet is a real international spread. Food ranges from traditional tagines to grilled meats and refreshing salads.
And if you want to dive into the famous buzz of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, this hotel offers a free shuttle service, with the city’s vibrant souks just 20 minutes’ away.
TUI offer a 5-night stay from 30 July, including return flights from London Stansted from £551pp.
AQI Aqua Mirage Club in Marrakech provide a free shuttle bus into the city for guestsCredit: Shutterstock
Sol Tenerife
Playa de las Américas is Tenerife‘s undisputed capital of fun, and this hotel puts you right on its front porch.
The volcanic shoreline of Playa de Troya is just four minutes away, while the Veronicas Strip begins almost exactly where the hotel grounds end.
This resort is ideal for those who want to jump between a sun lounger and a dance floor without needing a taxi in between.
With August temperatures averaging a reliable 28C to 31C, there’ll be plenty of sunbathing opportunities – plus you can count on the three onsite pools to cool down.
The all-inclusive offer includes a constant rotation of international dishes at the buffet, plus a poolside bar with extra snacks and drinks.
For a change of scenery, Siam Park is a seven-minute drive away, offering some of the country’s most thrilling water slides.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 24 August, including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick from £499pp.
Playa de las Américas in Tenerife is home to beautiful beaches and the ever-popular Siam ParkCredit: Getty
Corona Roja Aparthotel, Gran Canaria
This budget-friendly base sits in Gran Canaria’s ever-popular Playa del Ingles.
This resort offers comfortable apartments with kitchenettes, but the all-inclusive option means you can skip the cooking and stick to the buffet restaurant and poolside bar.
Playa del Ingles is a hit with Brits for its combination of golden beaches, buzzing nightlife, and watersports ranging from parasailing to sunset cruises.
The main Playa del Ingles beach boasts nearly two miles of flat, golden sands that are perfect for families, whilst the nearby Maspalomas has a desert-like landscape with rolling dunes.
And with all-inclusive, week-long summer stays for less than £400pp, this is a great-value spot for those who want to be close to the action.
On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 15 July including return flights from Bournemouth from £360pp.
Gran Canaria’s Playa del Ingles is known for its near two-mile long beach and vibrant nightlifeCredit: Getty
Globales Montemar, Ibiza
Globales Montemar sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, meaning you can soak up the island’s stunning natural beauty away from the party crowds.
Tucked away behind a pine-covered hillside, this resort feels like a real island escape, offering both hill and sea views.
Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a stunning, horseshoe-shaped bay where the waters are clear, calm and shallow.
The resort itself is all about easy-going family fun. There’s a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids and families-only zone.
You can fill your boots at the buffet restaurant, which serves up a mix of local and international dishes, and grab a midday snack or an ice cream from the poolside bar.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to experience Ibiza in a family-friendly spot surrounded by stunning scenery.
TUI offer a 5-night stay from 25 July, including return flights from London Stansted from £505pp.
Globales Montemar in Cala Llonga, Ibiza shows a quieter, scenic side to the party islandCredit: TUI
Archipel Monastir, Tunisia
This glamorous Tunisian hotel offers everything from luxurious spa treatments and a hammam, to an exciting sports programme including tennis, volleyball and archery.
Plus, it’s fit for families, with spacious and comfortable rooms and suites which house up to four beds.
The coastal city of Monastir is ideal for those who like to take in the local history on holiday, with a medina, fortress and ancient ruins to explore.
There’s plenty of impressive sights like the preserved Ribat of Monastir, as well as the grand marble patterns and domes of the Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum.
And Monastir isn’t short of beautiful beaches, either. The Archipel Monastir hotel sits directly on a golden beach, so you’re just steps away from a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
On the Beach offers a 7-night stay from 1 July including return flights from Bristol from £370pp.
Archipel Monastir in Tunisia is close to fascinating historical sites, and is just steps from the seaCredit: On the beach
Clover Magic Park Beach, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
This four-star Turkish resort offers jam-packed all-inclusive holidays that are pretty hard to say no to.
Sat smack-bang on the beach in Antalya‘s Konakli, this resort has all the family summer holiday essentials: a giant pool, water slides, plus evening entertainment and nightclub access for the grown-ups.
Here you can help yourself to an extensive buffet breakfast, various international options at lunch and dinner, and plenty of poolside drinks and snacks.
Outside of the resort, Konakli offers boat trips to Turtle Beach, plus the exciting Alanya Aquapark is just a 15-minute drive away.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 9 August, including return flights from Edinburgh from £419pp
Clover Magic Park Beach Alanya in Antalya, Turkey has water slides that kids will loveCredit: Love Holidays
Rodos Star, Rhodes, Greece
Perched on a hill with views over the Aegean Sea, this family-run hotel is highly rated for its welcoming atmosphere.
Families make use of the outdoor pool and kids’ pool, and enjoy settling down to evening entertainment three times a week – including live music, Greek dancing and disco nights.
Rodos Star is just a five-minute walk from the traditional village of Afandou, one of the largest in Rhodes.
This pretty village is full of traditional beachfront tavernas, as well as plenty of shops selling handmade souvenirs.
And if you prefer pebble beaches that won’t leave you coming home with sand in your pockets for weeks, you’re in luck.
Here you’re close to the pebbled portion of the four-mile long Afandou Beach with the typical turquoise waters that make the Greek islands famous.
TUI offer a 7-night stay from 16 August including return flights from Glasgow from £770pp.
Rodos Star is situated in Afandou, one of the largest villages in RhodesCredit: TUI
Blue Sea Interpalace, Tenerife
This four-star hillside retreat in Tenerife consistently rates high among families.
It’s a challenge for kids to get bored here when there’s mini golf, a kids club, an outdoor playground and a packed evening entertainment programme to pick from.
There are 234 rooms in this resort, each of which come with all the necessary amenities such as air-con, flat-screen TVs and a minibar.
The rest of the resort also has that classic all-inclusive holiday in the Canaries feel – with a large outdoor pool surrounded by loungers, a big buffet restaurant and several sports courts.
Head out into the local area of Puerto de la Cruz to explore volcanic black sand beaches, stroll its picturesque harbour and discover the ruins of an 18th century fort.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 15 August, including return flights from Edinburgh from £449pp.
Blue Sea Interpalace is in Puerto de la Cruz, a part of Tenerife with black sand beachesCredit: Love Holidays
Selenium Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
The Selenium Hotel in sunny Antalya is the perfect base for those who want to be in the heart of the action with plenty of activities.
There’s water sports galore down on the seafront, with diving, water-skiing, jet-skiing, pedal boats and banana boats ready and waiting for you to take a spin.
Plus, you can also explore nearby coastal paths by bicycle or horse back, both of which can be arranged by the hotel. There’s also a golf course 20 minutes’ drive away in Belek.
Equally, if you’re just after a fly and flop kind of holiday, this hotel is suitable for you, too.
There’s a pool with plenty of parasols and loungers to lay back and relax on, as well as a sand beach just a few minutes walk away.
On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 1 July including return flights from London Gatwick from £375pp
Antalya in Turkey is known as the capital of the ‘Turquoise Coast’Credit: Getty
Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura
If you’re looking for a family mega-resort just steps from the beach and boasting toasty 27C to 30C July temperatures, this pick in Fuerteventura is the one for you.
The huge resort is perched right above the stunning Playa de Esquinzo, so you’re never more than a short stroll from the water.
Hotel Club Jandia Princess is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings scattered among palm trees and six different swimming pools.
Stays here are all about variety: entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, whilst the wide range of sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.
There are plenty of unique things to do in the local area, too, such as meeting goats at the nearby farm and going whale-watching on local catamaran trips.
TUI offer a 5-night stay from 21 July, including return flights from Bournemouth from £498pp.
Hotel Club Jandia Princess is a short walk from Playa de Esquinzo, a quiet, golden beachCredit: TUI
MIX Peymar, Majorca
Set just steps from the sea in sunny S’Illot, Majorca, the MIX Peymar hotel is a stunning choice for couples and families alike.
Spend days soaking up rays on the beach of Platja de S’Illot, or splashing around in the hotel’s outdoor pool and dedicated kids’ pool.
And with temperatures in S’Illot averaging a scorching 32C in August, you’ll certainly want to take a dip to cool off.
When things cool down in the evenings, there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy within walking distance.
Plus the pretty promenade and and Blue Flag beaches of resort town Cala Millor are only a five-minute drive away.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 2 August, including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick from £479pp.
MIX Peymar in Majorca is located practically on the shores of Platja de S’Illot beachCredit: Love Holidays
TUI SUNEO Lagomonte, Majorca
TUI SUNEO Lagomonte is a Majorcan resort that delivers something you don’t see every day.
This hotel’s standout feature is a mini private island with its own pool and bar in the middle of the lake beside the main building.
The rest of the resort feels modern, spacious, and built for easy-going family getaways.
There’s a massive main pool with a dedicated zone for kids, plus sports like darts, aerobics, table tennis and aqua gym classes to keep you entertained during the day.
Plus the all-inclusive buffet here is a real winner, serving up classics like pancakes and English breakfasts, through to freshly-grilled meats and fish at dinner time.
When you fancy a change of scenery, a free shuttle bus will whisk you down to a golden stretch of Alcudian beach in minutes.
TUI offer a 5-night stay from 13 August, including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick from £434pp.
TUI SUNEO Lagomonte in Majorca has a miniature island with its own pool and bar on the resortCredit: TUI
Hotel Terramar Calella, Costa Brava
If you’re after a Costa Brava break that puts you in the prime spot for both beach days and buzzy nights out, Hotel Terramar is your best bet.
The location is the real winner here, putting you right between the popular promenade and the golden sands of Platja Gran, the area’s largest beach.
Days here look like morning sea swims, followed by afternoons spent lazing by the pool and sunset drinks at a local bar.
But because this is an all-inclusive stay, there’s no need to spend money on food and drink outside of the hotel if you don’t want to.
Meals are included, plus the Cafe Bar is stocked with drinks and snacks.
And with a lively atmosphere and bars stocked with local spirits, it’s a great-value base for a straightforward bucket-and-spade break.
On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 22 July including return flights from Bristol from £545pp.
Lloret de Mar is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Brava, and this Clipper hotel is right nearbyCredit: Love Holidays
Ereza Apartamentos Los Hibiscos, Lanzarote
This adults-only escape to Lanzarote is the perfect pick for couples.
These apartments are clean and bright, but the pool area is the real winner here – with a sun deck ideal for a peaceful afternoon with a book and cocktail in hand.
Even though it’s an apartment complex, you can still go all-inclusive. Here, you get the best of both worlds: a self-contained base with all the amenities, plus your meals, snacks and drinks thrown in.
The complex sits in Puerto del Carmen, where popular beaches Playa Grande and Playa Pocillos offer access to the sapphire waters of the Atlantic.
There’s plenty to do here, including scuba diving and jet skiing stations along the seafront, as well as a bustling Friday market at market square Plaza Varadero.
Plus, the nearby promenade Avenida de las Playas is packed with pubs, bars and clubs to dance the night away.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 3 July including return flights from Edinburgh from £349pp.
Ereza Apartamentos Los Hibiscos is an adults-only option in sunny LanzaroteCredit: Love Holidays
Sun Club El Dorado, Majorca
For an all-inclusive Majorcan getaway that won’t blow the budget, Sun Club El Dorado is a top choice.
Tucked away from the busy tourist strip, this is a top choice for a more secluded escape with breathing room to soak up the scenery.
But this quieter location doesn’t lack in things to do. Here you can spend your morning on the tennis courts or having a go at archery, before cooling off in one of the three massive pools.
If you bring the kids along, the onsite water slide and non-stop entertainment will be sure to keep them busy.
And after a full day of being active, you can head to the buffet to fill your plate and soak up those sunset views.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 24 August including return flights from Edinburgh from £419pp.
Sun Club El Dorado in Majorca offers a secluded slice of the paradise on the Balearic IslandCredit: Love Holidays
Aes Club Hotel, Dalaman, Turkey
If you’re wanting to swap the busy beachfront resorts for more of a pretty rural getaway, Aes Club Hotel in the Turkish village of Ovacik is a standout choice.
Tucked away near the base of Mount Babadağ, this hotel swaps the busy seafront for a peaceful mountain landscape.
Although if you fancy a sea swim, you’re only a short (and free) shuttle bus ride away from the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz.
This hotel has a sleek pool area for all-day lounging, a spa for a proper Turkish scrub, and an entertainment programme that runs from day through to night.
Whether you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains, or head out into nearby Hisarönü for drinks and dancing, this is a brilliant Turkish base for a bit of me-time.
TUI offer a 7-night stay from 13 August including return flights from Aberdeen from £765pp. This deal includes one free child’s place.
Aes Club Hotel sits at the base of a mountain in the Dalaman area of TurkeyCredit: TUI
Apartamentos LIVVO Morromar, Lanzarote
These apartments in Lanzarote‘s Matagorda come with kitchenettes, cosy seating areas, plus your choice of balcony or terrace.
Each spacious apartment can sleep up to four people, making an ideal choice for small groups seeking an easy-going sun holiday.
There’s two large, heated outdoor pools in the apartment complex to enjoy, plus a kids club, playground, games room, and both an evening and daytime entertainment schedule.
Three meals a day are served in the buffet restaurant, while the pool bar opens from midday onwards for snacks, and even a late breakfast if you’ve had a lie-in.
The apartments are just a 10-minute walk from the closest beach in Matagorda, where calm waters lap over soft, golden sands.
TUI offer a 7-night stay from 13 August including return flights from Glasgow from £603pp.
Apartamentos LIVVO Morromar is an ideal choice for group holidays to LanzaroteCredit: TUI
El Pueblo Tamlelt, Agadir, Morocco
Set in 11 acres of tropical gardens and just steps from the beach, El Pueblo Tamlelt is a slice of Moroccan paradise.
The resort is just 15 minutes from the airport, so you can soon be on a sun lounger shortly after landing.
And with temperatures reaching 30C in July, Agadir is a reliable pick for summer sun.
The resort has 363 modern rooms, all featuring a balcony or terrace overlooking the grounds or the sea.
Plus when you go all-inclusive, you’ll enjoy three buffet meals a day, as well as snacks like pizza and burgers at the poolside bar.
If you want to get out and explore the area, Agadir centre is a 10-minute drive away.
Or you can head to the Agadir Oufella Ruins for panoramic views of the city from an impressive mountain-top fortress.
On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 1 July including return flights from Manchester from £355pp.
You can expect temperatures up to 30C if staying at El Pueblo Tamlelt in the summerCredit: On the beach
Clipper Affiliated by FERGUS, Lloret de Mar
The centrally-located Clipper Affiliated by FERGUS is a practical and comfortable base to explore Costa Brava’s coastal treasure.
From here, it’s only a nine-minute walk to Lloret de Mar beach, which is a mile in length and popular with Brits for its lively atmosphere.
This laid-back hotel has a sun-soaked pool area with a snack bar made for lazy afternoons, plus rooms that provide a clean, simple retreat after a day of exploring.
And with a stress-free all-inclusive package, you can fill up on burgers, chips and salad at the buffet – and save your euros for the local boutiques.
You’re only a two-minute walk away from the Old Town of Lloret de Mar, where narrow streets dotted with bars lead to the lively Town Hall Square.
Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 2 August including return flights from Leeds Bradford from £379pp.
HAVE you ever dreamed of becoming a famous Olympian?
It might be out of reach for most of us mere mortals.
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I visited the Italian ski resort that once hosted the Winter Olympics – and you can pretend to be an Olympian yourselfCredit: SuppliedClub Med celebrated its 75th anniversary last yearCredit: Supplied
But at one resort in Italy, you can feel pretty close to it — especially if you’re skiing alongside one of Britain’s greatest Olympic snowboarders.
I joined two-time Winter Games star and World Cup winner Jamie Nicholls on the slopes of the dreamily named Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area in the Italian Alps.
The snowy realm played host to the stars of the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006 and you can feel like a hero as you ski off from the original starting huts of the giant slalom or downhill black runs.
Remnants of the Games can be seen everywhere from the former bobsled track — a giant concrete cobra now disused and frozen in time — to the vertigo-inducing ski jump, as well as the downhill slopes.
The main athletes’ village — now a four-star hotel — dominates the village of Sestriere, from where more than 400km of pistes stretch all the way to Montgenevre in France.
I was staying at a smaller former athletes village in Pragelato, which is now owned and run by the all-inclusive holiday giant, Club Med.
It is the company’s only village concept, with the many chalets housing 350 rooms and surrounding a main hotel building to give it a cosy feel.
Club Med celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and the mantra from its founder, Belgian Gerard Blitz, is: “The purpose of life is to be happy. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now.”
The always smiling, helpful and friendly staff try their best to make this true every day.
Every evening, a show including music, dancing and theatre is performed for both children and adults in the main bar, and the partying goes on long into the night.
Sun man Alex WestCredit: SuppliedEvery evening, a show including music, dancing and theatre is performed for both children and adults in the main barCredit: Supplied
Club Med was the original all-inclusive holiday company and packages include ski passes, ski lessons and all food and drink from a main buffet restaurant serving delicious local pasta, meats and cheeses, as well as a pizza trattoria and a fine dining option.
And what is exceptional about Club Med Pragelato is that it also has four restaurants on the mountain where you can eat out and drink for free as part of your package.
This means you can make the most of your day’s skiing as you don’t have to trek back to your hotel for lunch.
Olympian Jamie is a convert and regularly takes his family — wife Jenny and their two young daughters, Lily and Rosie.
He said: “It’s just very easy. You don’t have to think — everything is done for you.
“You drop the kids off at the kids’ club, they get them dressed, they get their ski boots on, they get them off to ski school . . . it’s no faff for you.
“They really put the kids at ease. They’re very energetic, very fun, so it takes their mind off them leaving their parents.
“My eldest has always been a bit scared of doing stuff on her own, but they are really good at making sure that they feel happy and OK.
“They’re very flexible in terms of when you want to pick your kids up after ski school.
“You can go and eat lunch with them and then bring them back, or you could just leave them there the whole day at the kids’ club.
What is exceptional about Club Med Pragelato is that it also has four restaurants on the mountainCredit: Unknown
Access to the slopes is also simple — just a one-minute walk to the cable car up the mountain. The skiing at Pragelato offers everything from beginners to the most hardcore advanced.
Avalanche kits are also available for those who want to do some of the endless back-country woodland routes and mountain-top off-piste adventures.
Ski lessons are included for free and there is a kids’ club all day and in the evening so you can enjoy supper in peace.
And while the children are being entertained, the adults can slip off to the spa for a massage and to chill and repair tired limbs in the hammam steam bath and sauna.
With so much included, the price is definitely not cheap.
In fact, you might need some of that Olympic gold and silver to afford a family holiday here.
However, if you value the stress-free convenience, it’s definitely worth it.
Some of that Olympian spirit could even rub off on you and who knows, your dreams of becoming an Olympian might just come true.
GO: ITALIAN ALPS
GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights all-inclusive at Club Med Pragelato Sestriere is from £2,005pp including all-inclusive food and drink, lift pass and ski lessons as well as flights from Gatwick on January 10, 2027 and transfers.
To book, go to clubmed.co.uk/r/pregelato-sestriere/w or call 03453 676767.
WHEN you book a £9.50 Holiday, you get the added bonus of all the fun family events and activities available on-site.
But sometimes you fancy venturing out as a family to explore the area, and luckily, these resorts have plenty to see and do out and about.
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We’ve picked out £9.50 holiday destinations with plenty of family-friendly activitiesCredit: Getty
Plus you don’t have to blow the budget by leaving the park – there’s loads of free and cheap things to do as a family.
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head tothesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a monthor £12 for a year.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
Whether you’re a family full of mini outdoor explorers, rail enthusiasts or older teens who love a thrill ride, we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable family days out at top £9.50 UK holiday destinations.
Here’s our pick of UK holiday spots with plenty of affordable attractions and day trips to enjoy, close to £9.50 holiday parks.
Kent
Kent makes for a fantastic family holiday destination, not just for its beautiful beaches and unspoilt outdoors, but for the range of cheap attractions and museums it offers, too.
If you holiday at Harts on the Isle of Sheppey, you’ll have some of Kent‘s most unspoilt nature on your doorstep.
What better place to re-wild with the kids than by taking a walk over saltwater marshes that are home to local wildlife.
The Swale National Nature Reserve fills the southeast of the Isle of Sheppey, with flat landscapes that make cycling its routes a breeze for the whole family.
Stop to take in the views of coastal marshland home to creatures such as rare butterflies, and birds of prey like Marsh Harriers.
Enjoy a history-filled family day out at Whitstable Castle in KentCredit: Getty
The reserve is completely free to enter.
Over in Dymchurch, families can stay at Romney Sands, Marlie or New Beach – three seafront resorts that are built for families.
Dymchurch beach make for the ideal afternoon walk full of fresh sea air. Kids can enjoy rockpooling, building sandcastles and perhaps finding a buried fossil.
Over in Whistable, Alberta is a £9.50 holiday park with plenty to do nearby.
For an affordable indoor option, the Whitstable Community Museum is a family-friendly attraction bursting with hands-on activities for kids.
Dedicated volunteers show kids the ‘wonders of Whitstable’, like the invention of the diving helmet.
Adult tickets are only £3 each and children are free with an accompanying paying adult.
Or if it’s a sunny day, what nicer activity than a family picnic?
At the top of a winding hill overlooking the sea, Whitstable Castle provides the perfect backdrop to lay out the picnic blanket.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the perfectly-manicured gardens, and let the kids sail the high seas in the hidden gem pirate-themed play area, Dollar Dan’s Tankerton Cove. Sometimes the castle even puts on events.
Best of all, entry to the grounds is completely free!
And if you fancy checking out New Romney, train enthusiasts are in for a real treat at New Romney Station.
Watch steam locomotives chug on past at New Romney stationCredit: Alamy
Not only can they watch the collection of traditional steam locomotives come and go, the station itself is home to a massive interactive model railway exhibition.
Construction of the model railway started in 1973, and has been running for 270 days each year since.
Kids will love watching these tiny trains travel a remarkable 3.5 miles a day. Entry for children is only £2 and £4 for adults.
Take your pick from five £9.50 holiday resorts in Kent.
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Budding naturalists in the family will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.
Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.
“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”
If you fancy getting outdoors in nature, Hubbard’s Hills is a fantastic free option for families holidaying in Lincolnshire.
Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.
“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks“.
Here, families can while away the day by splashing in rivers, taking nature walks or visiting the cafe, which has a play area for kids.
Animal lovers can met rescue seals at Mablethorpe Seal SanctuaryCredit: Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary
There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.
Hubbard’s Hills is totally free to visit, so if you take a picnic you can enjoy a free family day out. However if you’re driving, parking costs £1.
Of course no trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Skegness.
Simply enjoy a free day out on the beach and strolling the bustling promenade, or if you have pocket money to spend, load up an iCard with £5 to use the tokens on rides at Fantasy Island.
The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to Dodgems, water flumes and carousels.
There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.
For some nature away from the noise, a fantastic free-to-visit option is the unspoilt Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.
Here there’s walking trails, dunes, and bird watching, all located just a short drive south of the town.
Take your pick of from 9 Hols from £9.50 resorts in Lincolnshire.
What’s a holiday in Lincolnshire without a visit to Skegness Pier?Credit: Alamy
Sussex
If you’re eyeing up a £9.50 family holiday to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.
Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beautiful beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.
Camber Sands in East Sussex is a perfect pick for families, the Blue Flag rated beach being home to calm waters and soft sands practically made for buckets and spades.
Plus with Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands on the seafront, you’ll only be steps away from your lodge or caravan down to the shore.
But if you’ve already had your fill of beach trips, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities nearby.
Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.
She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”
The location will also put parents’ minds at eas, as lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.
Camber Sands beach is popular with families thanks to its shallow waters and nearby amenitiesCredit: Alamy
The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).
Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Hols from £9.50 resort Chichester Lakeside has practically more water than land, with 10 fishing lakes spread across 150 acres.
But if that’s not enough, it’s only an 8-minute drive from the resort to Chichester Watersports.
Here there’s an aqua park complete with inflatable slides. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20.
For another activity that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.
Cycle the The South Coast East route along the seafront of SussexCredit: AFP
If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.
The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.
Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.
If you can’t bring your own bikes,hire a Donkey Bike via the app(from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.
Take your pick from six £9.50 holiday resorts in Sussex.
All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50
There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
OUR Queen of the £9.50 Holiday is back to answer your burning questions – ahead of the launch of THOUSANDS more cheap breaks going on sale.
This time, she’s giving her tips for holidaying with teenagers, top things to do, and how to go away for cheap during the school holidays.
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Queen of Hols from £9.50 Tracy Kennedy owns a Facebook group with 200,000+ followersCredit: Paul Tonge
Tracy Kennedy is an expert on Hols from £9.50, having taken Sun holidays for the past 30 years.
This week, Sun reader Julie Dale has been awarded best question of the week, which means she’s been selected to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Congratulations, Julie!
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head tothesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a monthor £12 for a year.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
What are some great UK parks that can even keep teenagers entertained?
Glenn Jones
Going away with teenagers, you’ll want something with plenty of activities to keep them entertained.
I’d say Billing Aquadrome is perfect for families of all ages, there’s especially loads to do for the older kids, too.
There’s outside entertainment in the evenings, and they have outdoor cinema screenings.
There’s also a giant inflatable course on the water that teens love to jump off to burn off some energy, and pool and snooker tables to hang out around.
Plus you can take the younger ones to the ball pit or slime making when the teenagers are busy exploring.
Seal Bay is another great choice, there’s loads there for the older teenagers.
Billing Aquadrome holiday park has a giant inflatable obstacle courseCredit: Instagram/willowlakewaterpark
They’ve got a really cool machine called a Wave Rider, which is like a surf simulator. It looks like a big bouncy slide with water gushing down it, very good for teenagers!
But if your teenagers are anything like mine, they won’t always want loads of sporty things to do.
My teenage daughter has had enough of arcades these days, she really likes going out on walks and exploring – she’s getting a bit like me now!
We love visiting castles and cathedrals, Hastings is great for that.
Teenagers do like dining out, though! So make sure to research the food options.
Parkdean have a good selection of foods, like Papa John’s pizza and fried chicken shacks.
And Seal Bay has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can have Greek gyros, burritos and ice cream. Teenagers love takeaways!
Would you opt for a £9.50 holiday over booking through the company direct?
Jamie Tebboth
You are often going to get your holiday for a cheaper price booking through £9.50 holidays.
Especially if you’re visiting as a family of four, as you can get a family holiday for only £38.
Looking at direct company sites on the same dates, it can be almost twice the price.
If you book through £9.50 holidays, that same holiday can be miles cheaper – even if you add on entertainment passes.
I always check on the actual company website to see how much I’m saving. I’ve saved £51 on a stay at Unity Beach, £112 at Solway and £211 on a trip to Bognor Regis.
For a family of four, the cheapest break you can get is a £38 holiday out of season (£9.50 each). If you add passes on, for say £10 a person, that’s still under £100!
My stay at Riverside in Bognor Regis and Parkdean Ty Mawr were both only £38. We’re not bothered about the extra entertainment passes, and its free linen there as well. If you’re not fussed in adding on the extras, it’s not going to get cheaper than that.
Seal Bay was the most popular holiday park booked with Hols from £9.50 in 2025Credit: Seal Bay
What are your top tips to get the best deals in the school holidays?
Julie Dale
The Midnight Service – be online as soon as that code comes! Just make sure you’ve joined Sun Club to get instant access after midnight. They go like wildfire!
There’s going to be new availability with this holiday restock, so if you haven’t booked yet, you can still get a holiday this year booked.
It can also definitely be cheaper to go away during school holidays and half term breaks that aren’t in the six-week summer holiday.
I’ve been away in the October holidays and it was much cheaper than the prices in the hotter months.
And if you want a really good deal, you should check if the school half term dates are different in the places you want to go to.
Quite a few people I know plan their holidays around the kids breaking up earlier in the destination they want to go to.
You then get a holiday that’s technically in the school holidays, for a really cheap price. I know someone who got a holiday for £14.50 per person during her children’s half term dates, and she had a great time.
What is a town in the UK you think that everybody should visit?
Elisabete Fortes
I’d say Glastonbury. It’s more than just the music festival. In fact, they have lots of other mini festivals and events throughout the year. We visited during the Medieval Fayre.
When I first went to Glastonbury, I was wowed. The streets are like a real life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.
There’s Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well and loads of other things to do. And Glastonbury has plenty of history, too, with Glastonbury Abbey and the links to King Arthur.
The nearest £9.50 holiday site will be Unity in Brean. It’s actually one of the most popular holiday parks I know of.
It’s got its own fair, a massive swimming pool, indoor and outdoor entertainment, plus a fantastic beach. And it’s close to Brean Down, with nature walks and a historical fort.
Tracy recommends a stay at Unity Beach to enjoy a day-trip out to GlastonburyCredit: Unity HolidaysUpgrade your accommodation at some Hols from £9.50 parks and have an outdoor hot tubCredit: st ives bay beach resort
Can you pay extra to upgrade your accommodation?
Emma Wright
Yes you can! Sometimes when you book, you can upgrade and choose the grade of your caravan.
The upgrade options tend to have really good amenities. When we stayed at The Lakes in Rookley, we stayed in a three-bedroom cottage with its own back garden and washing line. It was absolutely stunning.
It makes for a really luxurious experience, especially if you’re going as a big group or for a special occassion.
But I’ve never had a bad experience in any of the caravans, even staying in the cheap ones.
All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50
There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
THERE’S no better way to make the most of the sun coming out than heading off on a beach holiday.
2026 is shaping up to be a record year for staycations, with Brits keen to stay close to home and explore the coastal gems across the UK.
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You could stay at Sandaway Beach or Combe Martin Beach resort with Hols from £9.50Credit: Alamy
Plus with thousands more breaks being added to the Hols from £9.50 website, including dates in the spring and summer, its not too late to bag that last-minute holiday.
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head tothesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a monthor £12 for a year.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to book, here’s some of our favourite beach resorts across the UK, plus our pick of £9.50 holiday parks nearby…
Combe Martin, Devon
Combe Martin is a small seaside resort in North Devon, home to Combe Martin Bay.
Combe Martin Bay is split into two main beaches: the sandy beach by the harbour, and the stony Newberry beach. Both are beautiful, with calm shallow waters protected by the cove.
As an Access for All beach, Combe Martin Bay is fully accessible. There’s plenty of parking, loos and even beach wheelchairs to rent with easy access down to the shore if needed.
This village also sits on the edge of Exmoor National Park, where wild horses roam the rolling hills and moorland.
Bring your bikes and cycle one of the many paths, go fishing in the rivers, or rent a canoe at Wimbleball Lake.
In the village itself, take your pick of cosy pubs like The Dolphin and The Pack O’Cards – pub culture is very big here, and you’ll be welcomed in to enjoy a local pint.
The coastal town of Looe is a working fishing port split into two halvesCredit: Getty
Looe, Cornwall
If you’re looking for a classic Cornish escape, Looe is the ultimate catch.
This traditional fishing town is split into two by a large arched bridge. The east side full of shops and pubs, and the west has a quieter feel with rockpools and beach walks.
Over in East Looe you can walk the Banjo Pier (named after its shape) and laze out on East Looe Beach, the main and largest beach in the area.
Or for somewhere quieter, head towards Hannafore Point in West Looe.
On the way you will come across a small stretch of sand which is also home to Nelson, the bronze seal statue that overlooks the village.
Popular pubs include The Jolly Sailor Inn and The Fishermans Arms, both of which serve local pints and food with a home-cooked feel.
The pink, thatched-roof cottage in Shanklin Old Village is the Old Thatch TeashopCredit: GettyThe beach at Shanklin in the Isle of Wight is accessible via a giant lift down from the townCredit: Getty
Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Shanklin in the Isle of Wight is popular for its pretty Old Village with thatched roof houses, as well as picturesque beach with dramatic cliffs.
Shanklin Beach sits on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, and has a bustling seafront with arcades, fish and chip shops and an ice cream parlour.
Here you can have a go at the colourful Caddyshack 18-hole mini golf, which costs £8.50 per adult, £7.50 per child or £30 for a family of four.
The beach is just as colourful as the village behind it, lined with colourful beach huts and blooming flowers.
You can get up to the Old Village from the beach via a giant lift. Here you can wander its famous old-fashioned streets – plus the famous pink thatched-roof cottage which you’ll see on postcards.
The pink cottage is a tearoom called the Old Thatch Teashop, where inside you can sit down to traditional afternoon tea or cream tea starting at £7.95. Plus there’s even a fairy garden inside.
Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales is a coastal gem that offers boat trips to a nearby islandCredit: Getty
Tenby, South Wales
Tenby is a walled Welsh seaside town, famous for its rows of pastel-coloured houses and three soft sand beaches.
There’s several beaches to pick from at Tenby, from the two-mile long golden stretch of the South Beach to the smaller Castle Beach, which is popular for watersports.
There’s lots of family attractions here too, like the Folly Farm Adventure Park with its vintage fairground, and go-karting or bumper boating at Heatherton World of Activities.
For something more relaxing, you can wander the historic harbour, which runs regular boat trips to Caldey Island from April through to October.
It’s well worth taking a day trip to the island, where you’ll find forests with red squirrels and the magnificent Caldey Abbey.
Food and drink in Tenby is both budget-friendly and tasty. Tuck into a Neopolitan pie at Top Joe’s Pizza, or listen to live music with sea views at Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Dumfries is a coastal resort with plenty to do for both adults and childrenCredit: Alamy
Dumfries, Scotland
In south west Scotland, Dumfries is a Scottish seaside town with plenty of activities for kids and fascinating history for grown-ups.
Southerness beach is a vast stretch of sand overlooked by a striking white lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in Scotland.
The shallow waters are ideal for paddling or swimming, and at low tide plenty of rockpools are revealed, which make for fun family explorations.
Another option in Sandyhills Bay, a quiet, sheltered cove surrounded by greenery. The giant rock arch here, called the Needle’s Eye, makes for a great photo spot.
For families, Dumfries is a total playground.
Dalscone Farm Fun (admission £10) and (£12) offer soft play and animal feeding, while the nearby Dino Park (adults £6, kids £12) lets kids hunt for fossils among life-sized dinosaurs.
If you want to take in the history of the town, you can wander down the River Nith past the 15th-century Devorgilla Bridge, or explore the Robert Burns House to see where the famous writer penned his last works.
Whitley Bay has a long sandy stretch of beach overlooked by St Mary’s lighthouseCredit: Alamy
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
Whitley Bay is a traditional North East seaside town, with an unspoilt Blue Flag beach where you can paddle, swim or surf.
The beach is the star of the show here, and runs from the main promenade north to St Mary’s Lighthouse, which sits on a tiny island.
You can visit the lighthouse by walking across a causeway – just make sure to check the tide times so you don’t get stranded!
For a bit of local history, head into Spanish City. Once a fairground, it’s now a beautiful building full of restaurants and tea rooms.
Inside you can grab try award-winning fish and chips at Trenchers, or enjoy an ice cream looking out over the sea.
Families will love the dinosaur-themed Lost World Adventure Golf, which is £5 per adult and £6 for children. There are also plenty of traditional arcades along the seafront to dip into.
If you like a coastal walk, follow the coastal path south to the trendy coastal village of Tynemouth to see the historic Priory and Castle.
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
BUCKETS and spades, ice creams on the promenade, whizzing around on the dodgems… family trips to the seaside are where the best memories are made.
And seaside staycations are made even better when there’s a thrilling theme park nearby.
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These UK seaside towns have beaches, fairgrounds, theme parks – plus holiday parks from £9.50Credit: Getty
With tens of thousands of new dates and breaks being added to Sun Hols from £9.50, you’ll have plenty of cool coastal spots to choose from.
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head tothesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a monthor £12 for a year.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, these are some of our top seaside towns across the UK with theme parks and fairgrounds… plus the nearby holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth on Norfolk‘s east coast has been welcoming holidaymakers as a seaside resort since 1760.
The town boasts a soft sand beach known as ‘the golden mile’, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants within a short walking distance.
Smack-bang on the beachfront is Joyland, a historic amusement park with plenty of classic rides that are sure to fill you with nostalgia.
This colourful family theme park is perfect for little ones, home to mini rollercoasters and the award-winning Super Snails. The attraction is free to enter, with ride tokens costing £3 each.
For the older kids, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is sure to go down a treat with an exciting mix of white-knuckle thrills, child friendly rides and even a 4D cinema.
Undoubtedly the star of the show is a traditional wooden roller coaster, which first opened in 1932 and one of only two still standing in the UK.
You can enter Pleasure Beach with either a wristband or fun card. Wristbands give you unlimited rides, starting at £20 for younger children and £27 for ages 7+.
Fun Cards can be purchased for just £5 per person and come pre-loaded with 5 credits that can be used on rides, food or drinks, and they even come with unlimited park entry for the 2026 season.
Keep the good times rolling with a stroll down Britannia Pier to take in the coastal views from the Victorian promenade, or try your luck in the arcades.
The mix of sun, fresh sea air and entertainment will be sure to leave you feeling delightfully exhausted!
Great Yarmouth Britannia Pier is packed with amusement arcades and ridesCredit: AlamyStroll the pier on a visit to Skegness, or visit Pleasure Beach for thrill ridesCredit: Alamy
Skegness, Lincolnshire
The seaside resort of Skegness is a huge hit with families, with a seemingly-endless amount of exciting activities and things to do.
Find the fun of fairground rides and more at Pleasure Beach Skegness, with classic bumper cars all the way up to the swinging heights of Freakout.
Get competitive at the Pebble Beach 9-hole adventure golf course, or make a splash at the Wild River Log Flume.
The theme park is free-to-enter, with rides costing credits. You can purchase an all-day access wristband online (from £17.50) or make the most of the Token Savers scheme if you want to only visit particular rides.
There’s plenty of tickets to be won at the classic amusement arcades on Skegness Pier which can be exchanged for prizes, but the entertainment doesn’t stop there.
With ten pin bowling, Captain Kids Soft Play, escape rooms and Laser Quest, there really is something for everyone in the family.
And after a busy day, there’s no better place to unwind than Playa at the Pier, a seaside bar that’s perfect for watching the sun go down.
You can even enjoy your drink in one of the bar’s stylish pool pods, perfect for cooling down after a day of sun.
Clacton Pier in Essex is Europe’s largest pleasure pierCredit: Getty
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
As the largest town on Essex‘s aptly-named Sunshine Coast, Clacton-on-Sea delivers on the classic British seaside holiday experience.
The main attraction at Clacton-on-Sea is Clacton Pier, Europe‘s biggest pleasure pier with its own fairground.
The pier is packed with activities like bowling, mini golf, arcades, a soft play, thrill rides and more – not to mention plenty of cafes and restaurants to retreat into for a sit down once you’ve burned off all of your energy.
When it comes to rides, there’s plenty of crowd-pleasing classics like a helter skelter, dodgems and loop-the-loop coasters.
However there’s plenty for the little ones too, like the gentle Wild Mouse Coaster and Dumbo ride.
Rides cost between 2-7 credits, which you can load onto a fun card from a ticket box or online. £1 = 1 credit.
Just next door you’ll find Clacton Pavillion and Fun Park where another 20 rides await, including a swinging pirate ship, high ropes course and even a waterpark.
An unlimited-ride wristband here costs £15 and includes a ticket to the soft play – not too shabby for a full day out!
Luna Park in Scarborough, North Yorkshire has lots of rides for mixed-ages familiesCredit: Alamy
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
With its sweeping golden beaches, spectacular castle ruins plus your pick of family attractions, Scarborough is a top seaside holiday destination.
The seafront is dotted with colourful beach huts, sweet shops selling rock and ice cream, and plenty of coastal walking paths.
There are two main bays, North and South, both of which have wide beaches with flat sands and calm waters that are perfect for paddling.
You could easily spend a day walking along the seafront, stopping to build sandcastles and dipping into the arcades, but there’s also amusement parks and rides for the thrill-seekers.
Luna Park is an amusement park with plenty for kids of all ages. There’s traditional activities like a carousel and hook-a-duck, plus more thrilling rides like the twisting Cyclone and jump ride King Frog.
Rides are paid for in credits, which are loaded onto fun cards with 1 credit costing £1. Fun cards are purchased on-site.
There’s also waterpark Alpamare Scarborough, with four adrenaline-fuelling waterslides and its own spa.
And if you don’t mind a 30-40 minute drive, Flamingo Land is renowned for its 33 rides and attractions.
There’s plenty for the whole family here, from a CBeebies Peter Rabbit experience to the terrifying cliff hanger ride Pterodactyl. Admission starts at £29 online, with under 3’s going free.
Fans of loop-the-loop coasters will love Pleasurewood Hills in LowestoftCredit: TripAdvisorThe beaches at Lowestoft are vast with flat, soft sands and shallow waters – perfect for familiesCredit: Alamy
Lowestoft, Suffolk
Lowestoft is a seaside town on the coast of East Suffolk, with its beaches such as South Beach winning awards for its cleanliness, safety and beauty.
South Beach is also an RNLI lifeguarded beach, and has its own Children’s Corner with activities such as crazy golf, making it the perfect pick for families.
The North Beach sits between Claremont and South Pier, with a bustling seafront with plenty of snack kiosks and souvenir shops.
Lowestoft’s family theme park, Pleasurewood Hills, is home to the biggest roller coaster in East Anglia: Wipeout.
Plus there’s plenty of other thrill rides, like the ultra-fast Cannonball Express and seaside-themed Jolly Roger.
There’s also a miniature train called the Pleasurewood Hills Express, and you may want to bring a change of clothes for water rides like the Wavebreaker.
Admission tickets to Pleasurewood Hills start from £18.75 online, which includes access to all of the rides.
Towyn in Wales has a beautiful secluded beach, but the joys of Knightly’s Fun Park are nearbyCredit: Alamy
Towyn, North Wales
Towyn in Conwy is a seaside resort with plenty of activities to keep families entertained, plus plenty of spectacular scenery for nature lovers.
The secluded shores of Towyn Beach are backed by sloping green cliffs, and you can even see the mountains of Snowdonia on the horizon.
Further along the seafront, Knightly’s Fun Park is a free-to-enter amusement park with day-to-night entertainment including kids discos, bingo and karaoke.
There’s also 20 rides and attractions at the funfair, including Waltzers, go karts and a fun house.
Rides cost credits, and if you stock up on ride credits online you can get up to 120 extra .
There’s plenty of jaw-dropping sights a short drive away, too. The Grade-II llisted Gwyrch Castle is a 12-minute drive away, and looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
History lovers will enjoy strolling through its Gothic ruins with sea views, which looks especially fantastic at sunset. Plus you can enter the castle for £11.50 per adult and £7 per child.
Eight minutes away in Rhyl you’ll find Britain’s oldest miniature railway line, which first opened in 1911. The railway fare is £4 per adult and £3 per child.
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
HOLS from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
There are two ways to unlock the bargain breaks at Hols from £9.50.
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Golden Coast Holiday Park in Devon is one of the top-booked parks with Hols from £9.50Credit: Golden Coast holiday park
The first is by collecting codes from The Sun newspapers to enter online, with the final code printed in the paper on Wednesday, April 1.
The other way is to sign up to Sun Club for just £1.99 a month, where members gain automatic access onto the website one day earlier than everyone else on Tuesday, March 31.
This means members can have a better chance at bagging the holiday parks that sell out the fastest.
Plus there’s been thousands of new dates added ready for spring and summer this year.
So why not make the most of the sunshine and bag that last-minute family holiday for cheap?
Some of the most popular UK holiday parks listed on the Hols from £9.50 website include Seal Bay in West Sussex, Hendra in Cornwall and Golden Coast in Devon.
Plus there’s also parks in Scotland and Wales like Silversands in Lossiemouth and Lido Beach in Prestatyn.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
Alternatively, you can collect the codes from physical Sun newspapers, and enter them online at club950.co.uk from Wednesday, April 1.
And if you choose to sign up to Sun Club, there’s plenty of other benefits that come with your membership.
Sun Club members get exclusive perks such as discounted tickets to top UK attractions and the chance to win free tickets to sports events.
In fact, one Sun Club member saved £974 on family holidays and days out in just one year by signing up to Sun Club.
Parkdean Camber Sands in East Sussex is a popular choice as it sits on the East Sussex beachCredit: Parkdean Camber Sands
All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50
There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
You could book a stay at Sand le Mere holiday park at club950.co.ukCredit: park holidays uk
YOU can explore a Santorini-like island with whitewashed villages for a fraction of the price of the real deal.
Folegandros is an island in the Cyclades known for both pretty beaches and cheaper hotels than its sister island.
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The island is a quiet alternative to Santorini with beautiful beaches like LivadakiCredit: AlamyChora is the main town with whitewashed buildings and blue doorwaysCredit: Alamy
Unlike its neighboursMykonos and Santorini, Folegandros doesn’t have an airport or huge hotels – the island didn’t even have electricity until 1974.
It’s been dubbed an ‘under-the-radar Greek island’ seeing much fewer visitors.
Santorini gets around 3.4million visitors each year, meanwhile Folegandros gets 50,000.
There’s still lots to see and visitors will find most of the island’s life in the main town of Chora of which is perched on a cliff around 200 metres high.
It’s where most of the shops, restaurants, cafes and tavernas are found.
Make sure to try Matsata, which is a handmade fresh pasta, which looks similar to tagliatelle, that was founded on Folegandros.
Usually it’s served with cooked meats like rooster, rabbit, or goat in a rich tomato sauce and topped with grated cheese.
For those who want the best island view, take the steep, winding path up to the Church of Panagia.
CNNlisted Chora in their top seven most beautiful villages in Europe, writing: “Santorini’s streets sag with admirers.
“But on Folegandros, a nearby island, you’ll find similar architecture—streets paved in slate, whitewashed buildings decorated with colourful flowers, the occasionalGreekOrthodox church with a bright blue dome—without the crowds.”
Being a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, Folegandros has plenty of beautiful beaches and has been praised for its “emerald-blue” waters.
Some of the island’s top ones include Katergo Beach which has white sands and blue waters.
Visitors have gone as far as to say it’s the “prettiest beach on Folegandros.”
Stays in Kallisti Hotel start from £82 per nightCredit: KallistiThe hotel has incredible views across Chora and its hilltop churchCredit: Kallisti
Another is Livadaki Beach which most visitors access by boat rather than foot.
Its remote location means it is less busy than other beaches on the island and it’s said to be an ideal spot for snorkelling.
Agios Nikolaos Beach is family-friendly with a small bar and taverna on the shoreline.
Depending on the season, the average price of a hotel in Santorini varies but typically ranges from £143–£251 per night – but luxury stays can be as high as £1,000.
While Folegandros does have some luxe stays, there are some more affordable stays too.
The Beachfront Cycladic House can be booked from £74 per night on Booking.com.
The holiday home has a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, a balcony and it’s just minutes’ walk away from multiple beaches.
Rooms at the Kallisti Hotel which is built in the style of a small village can be booked from £82 per night.
It has a swimmingpool, bar, breakfast room and rooms with balconies with beautiful island views.
The easiest way for Brits to get to Folegandros is by a ferry from Athens which takes around four hours.
Brits can also fly from the UK to Athens in under four hours from as little as £22.
TRAVELLING by car over the Easter break can be a challenge.
As Brits across the nation hit the road to enjoy the school holiday, traffic can reach a peak – and so can frustration.
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Although you can’t control potential jams, planning your route and choosing the best time to travel, as well as getting your car and the kids prepared beforehand, can help smooth out bumps along the way.
Run through the checklist below to help reduce last-minute mayhem, costly breakdowns and tears on long journeys.
Follow National Highways’ T.R.I.P. tips for hassle-free motoring.
Safe T.R.I.P. Checks
The most essential hack for a smooth ride is to make sure your car is ready for the road before leaving your driveway.
Taking a bit of time in the days leading up to your journey can potentially save hours of hassle and significant costs if your vehicle were to break down.
The checks every driver needs to perform are easy to remember with T.R.I.P.:
TOP UP your fuel or battery charge, oil and screen wash
REST with planned stops every two hours for at least 15 minutes
INSPECT tyre pressure and tread before setting out, to make sure you can drive safely. See how
PREPARE for all weather conditions
Running out of fuel and tyre issues are among the top causes of breakdowns and incidents on roads.
Taking the right precautions will help you get to your Easter break safely and on time – and the good news is that they only take a few minutes to complete.
For help with performing Safe T.R.I.P. Checks, head to the National Highways website for everything you need to get them right, including some handy how-to videos.
Care necessities
After ticking off your Safe T.R.I.P. Checks list, it’s time to make sure you have all your travel essentials to hand.
It might feel like you’re packing for a week on safari, but being prepared for any eventuality means you can enjoy your journey with less stress.
As well as the kids’ snacks and activities, keep coats handy even if the weather looks fine.
Other helpful kit includes travel pillows and blankets, a travel potty for little ones and a first aid kit.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must because car windows don’t fully protect us from UV rays and there may be glare from the sun.
If you’re travelling with more than one child, headphones can be a godsend, while a power bank will make sure they don’t run out of juice.
Finally, to keep things clean and tidy, think about packing a seat organiser, a carrier bag for rubbish, a change of clothes in case of accidents and a pack of wet wipes.
Break it up
Make sure the driver doesn’t get tired. As well as planned stops to give everyone the chance to stretch their legs, this means getting a good rest the night before.
When planning your journey, allow enough time for those breaks. Aim to stop every two hours for at least 15 minutes.
As a guide, a baby shouldn’t be in a car seat for longer than two hours at a stretch, while newborns and premature babies need a break every half hour.
Before heading out, try looking for rest spots on your route that will make the journey more interesting.
Twenty minutes at a farm shop, café or garden centre can be a great alternative to a service station.
Snack attack
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic with a gaggle of hungry kids on board. So make sure you have plenty of goodies to tide them over.
As well as treats, try to include some healthy choices so you don’t have to deal with a sugar crash.
Avoid grapes, which could be a choking hazard, and anything that could trigger car sickness such as greasy or rich foods and dairy products.
It’s important to bring plenty of water, especially on a warm day, so replenish those refillable bottles before hitting the road.
Play time
Entertainment and games on your journey will make getting there part of the fun.
Try trusted favourites like I-spy, 20 Questions or the Alphabet Game, listen to music or audiobooks, or download a film onto the kids’ devices before you leave home.
Sticker books or reusable window stickers are also a winner, while older children will enjoy car-friendly board and card games, like magnetic Ludo or Monopoly Deal.
Visit National Highways to learn more and get ready to have a safe T.R.I.P.
EASYJET has launched a huge sale with millions of seats on offer for winter 2027 including the February half-term.
The budget airline’s Big Seat Release has over seven million seats on flights to and from the UK on sale for between February 1 and March 21, 2027.
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EasyJet has launched its Big Seat Release for winter 2027Credit: GettyDestinations include Agadir in Morocco, which was recently named the most affordable break for this summerCredit: Love holidays
Travellers can choose from over 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa from 22 UK airports.
Flight offers include one-way flights to Paris from London Gatwick, costing £31.99 on February 2, 2027.
You could also travel to Dusseldorf in Germany, Geneva in Switzerland, and Grenoble and Nantes in France for the same price.
If you fancy travelling further afield, you could fly to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick on February 23, 2027, for £37.99 one-way.
Agadir was recently named the most affordable break for summer 2026 by loveholidays, with a week holiday to the seaside city costing as little as £24 per person per night between June and August.
The Moroccan city is surrounded by mountains and also boasts a six-mile long golden beach.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city and said: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina.
“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.”
Other bucket-list destinations include Reykjavik in Iceland, with flights costing from £44.17 per way and Thessaloniki in Greece, costing from £48.99 per way.
To find easyJet‘s lowest fares, head to the low fare finder section of the easyJet website where the best value fares are shown.
EasyJet holidays also has thousands of package holidays available, including to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisia.
All of the holiday packages include flights and a hotel, with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers for beach getaways.
Kevin Doyle, UK Country Manager for easyJet, said: “Putting millions more seats and package holidays on sale today for nextwinter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.
“With hundreds of routes available from 22 UK airports, our short-haul network offers unrivalled choice for those planning their holidays for next year, to book with ease, and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
FAMILIES are facing a whopping £1.6billion tax blow on the “great British holiday”, a new report has warned.
The findings from industry body UKHospitailty, with figures crunched by Oxford Economics, show that a proposal to slap a five per cent levy on accommodation could “decimate” the industry.
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A holiday tax could slap holiday goers with a £1.6billion tax hell and lead to 33,000 jobs being axedCredit: Alamy
It comes as Labour Government has been proposing to allow local authoritiesthe right to tax overnight staysin holiday parks, campsites, B&Bs and hotels as part of a new holiday tax.
UK Hospitality claim the proposed levy would slash GDP – a benchmark for the country’s economic health – by £2.2billion.
It also warned it would result in a £1.8billion reduction in hospitality spending.
The group also claimed that it would lead to the loss of 33,000 job roles in areas of the UK where there are few alternative employment opportunities.
Allen Simpson, chief Executive of UKHospitality, said the tax would make staycations “more expensive and decimate tourism.”
“There are no winners from a holiday tax. From coastal communities and city centres to local guesthouses, pubs and taxi firms, the impacts are stark and indiscriminate.
He added: “Taxes up, jobs lost and our high streets hit once again. Holidays are for relaxing, not taxing. The government should keep it that way and stop the holiday tax.”
The charge, which could be applied to hotels, Airbnb-style accommodation and short lets, could amount to a whopping £1.6billion holiday tax on tourists by 2030, according to the figures
Meanwhile, Simon Palethorpe, chief of Haven, said it would mean fewer UK holidays resulting in “less investment and fewer jobs, often in areas where there are few alternative employment opportunities”.
He added: “In the UK, visitors are already paying double the VAT rate of the most popular overseas holiday hotspots. The UK is a great place to visit and we should be encouraging people to do so, not adding extra taxes.”
The government launched a consultation on the tax, with final views submitted last month.
Other measures that also could be introduced include a £2 tax per person per night on staycations.
However, it is worth noting that it will be up to individual mayors to decide whether or not to propose a charge for visitors to their towns or cities.
Government has previously said the charge will help improve local tourism infrastructure, public services.
THE EASTER school holidays are just around the corner and with the kids off school, you might want to head on a staycation to fill some of their time.
There are loads of seaside towns across the UK, but Sun Travel has picked out some of the cheapest spots across England – all of which are great for family breaks this Easter.
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The UK is home to a number of cheap seaside spots including BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool is often thought to be one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK, with arcades and a long-stretching beach.
For a one-night break over the Easter holidays, you could stay at The Merlin Hotel for £56 a night for two adults and two children (or £14 per person).
The hotel is in the city centre and is an eight minute walk from Blackpool Central Beach.
You can also head to Blackpool Winter Gardens Theatre just 400 metres away and Coral Island, 500 metres away.
When it comes to activities, you can head to Joyland – one of the oldest theme parks in the UK – and it is completely free to visit.
Rides are then priced separately so you can spend as little or as much as you like.
For example, the Super Snails ride costs £2.50 a turn.
Travel writer, Helen Wright, recently visited and for food suggests heading to Grelly’s, where you’ll be able to grab a hot sausage roll and chips for only £3.60.
Or you could head to Great Yarmouth, with a hotel costing around £86 per nightCredit: Alamy
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four people (or £19 per person per night).
The holiday park is just a short walk to Crimdon Dene Beach, which offers amazing views of the north east coastline.
There is also a restaurant and bar on site in case you want to grab a bite to eat.
If you head into Hartlepool town, the Museum has free entry as well.
In Hartlepool, you could opt for Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four peopleCredit: Alamy
Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Found in Somerset, Weston-Super-Mare was a popular 19th-century Victorian seaside resort and is still loved today for its long beach and Grand Pier.
Stay at the Savoy Hotel from £99 a night for four people over the Easter holidays.
If you don’t mind being a little out of Weston-Super-Mare, in the next town along – Brean – you could stay at Unity Beach holiday park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £189 for a family of four (£15.75 per person per night).
Visiting the Grand Pier will set you back £2 per person and an unlimited all-day ride wristband costs £15 per toddler and £20 per child.
Attractions on the pier include a mirror maze, Helter Skelter and soft play.
There are a number of eating spots on the pier as well where you can grab fish and chips for £12, sausage and chips for £7.50 and a range of kids meals for £6.
Weston-Super-Mare has a number of cheap attractions including the Grand Pier, which will set you back £2 per personCredit: Alamy
Penzance, Cornwall
Despite many thinking Cornwall is one of the more expensive places to head on a staycation, if you are heading to the county then visit Penzance, which is one of the more affordable spots.
For example, you could head to Seaview Holiday Park, costing around £60 a night for a family of four over the Easter holidays.
The accommodation has a kitchenette as well, so you can cut even more costs by cooking for yourself.
And there’s also an outdoor swimmingpool, indoor play area and games room.
The beach is then about a 25-minute walk away.
Sun Hols from £9.50 returns next week
WANT to discover more bargains? Well, Sun Hols from £9.50 is returning with thousands of new breaks ready to book for this spring and summer.
And if you’re a Sun Club member (you can sign up here for £1.99 a month) you get priority access to these new bargain breaks.
The Hols from £9.50 website will be updated with new holidays on Wednesday, April 1.
Those collecting codes from the paper will unlock access to the website on Wednesday morning, but if you’re a Sun Club member, you can unlock those holidays on Tuesday March 31.
This means you can beat the online crowds and take your pick of holidays at a range of award-winning resorts earlier than the rest.
Once you’re signed up to Sun Club, head to the Sun Club offers hub. Then simply click through to the Hols from £9.50 website on Tuesday March 31 to access the holidays early.
And yes – you can book a holiday at a range of Hols from £9.50 resorts from as little as £9.50 per person. Find out more at Hols from £9.50.
If you want to head to Cornwall, but are looking for a cheaper spot than Penzance is a great optionCredit: Alamy
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66).
Over Easter though, prices are obviously a little more expensive – but there are still some affordable options.
For example, a one-night stay at The Windsor Hotel costs £77 for a family of four.
The hotel is on South Parade and within sight of the sea, with the beach just 270 metres away.
That works out at just £14.12 per person, per night.
According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66)Credit: Alamy
Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Bognor Regis on the south coast of England is known for its award-winning Butlin’s resort.
A three-night break at Butlin’s Bognor Regis from April 10 to 13 costs from £316 – that’s around £26.34 per person per night.
And for that price, you get all the entertainment, the indoor waterpark and fairground rides – but it doesn’t include food.
If you do want to include food, this would cost an extra £186.54 (around £15.55 per person per day) for the family food court dining plan which includes a buffet experience.
In Bognor Regis, you could head to Butlin’s and make the most of their facilitiesCredit: Alamy
Ramsgate, Kent
Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildings.
And for Easter, there are still some affordable breaks.
You could head to Dog and Duck Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £234 for four people (or £19.50 per person per night).
You’d stay in a static caravan with an open plan lounge and kitchen area.
The holiday park has a pub onsite where you can grab a pizza for as little as £12, as well as an outdoor play area.
Ramsgate is also home the UK’s largest Wetherspoons as well, where you can grab a pint of Ruddles ale for just £1.99.
Or grab a pint of Worthington’s Creamflow ale for £1.99.
Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildingsCredit: Alamy
Paignton, Devon
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Paignton, you won’t be short for choice.
The bustling seaside town has a great mix of campsites, holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs.
For example you could stay at Devon Hills Holiday Park in a caravan with a hot tub for three nights from April 10-13 for £199 for four people (or £16.59 per person per night).
The holiday park features an 18metre pool, gym, sauna and steam room and play area.
And if you are wanting a bite to eat, there is an onsite cafe too where you can grab two pizzas, fries and garlic bread for £29.95.
The beach is a bit further away (three miles), but once there you’ll be in the bustling resort town of Paignton with red sand beaches and a pier full of different attractions including penny slot machines.
Paignton in Devon has a bustling town centre and a vast choice of hotels, holiday parks and B&BsCredit: Alamy
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Over in Essex, you could head to Clacton-on-Sea, which is full of souvenir shops and ice cream spots.
You could stay at Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per night.
This is for a break between April 10 and 13, and includes access to the restaurants, takeaways and arcades but not to the swimming pools, activities and entertainment venues.
In Clacton-on-Sea, you can head to the pier which has a variety of amusement arcades and rides, such as a Helter Skelter costing just £1 a turn.
And if you are looking for a cheap spot for lunch Flags Cafe has a variety of dishes including curry, vegan options and cakes or a toastie and drink for a fiver.
Or head to Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village in Clacton-on-Sea for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per nightCredit: Alamy
WITH new travel requirements in action at airports across Europe, EES is set to cause travel chaos this summer.
While you’re likely to be caught up in the chaos and lengthy queues, there are a few ways to make it more manageable.
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If you’re heading on holiday – you might get caught up in EES delaysCredit: AlamyThere have been reports of queues up to four-hours long to get through passport controlCredit: Alamy
With many Brits yet to register for EES, it’s predicted that those heading abroad for the summerholidays will be privy to delays.
Some destinations even out of season have reported queues of up to four hours.
These include airports at Brussels, Lisbon, Prague and Lanzarote.
So while you might not beat the queues – here are some tips from Sun Travel to make your next trip easier.
So if you get an early flight, there’s less likely to be a backlog.
Whereas if you’re travelling in the early evening, there could still be passengers being processed who are plenty ahead of you.
Anticipate delays
If you are taking a connecting flight, we’d advise to anticipate delays.
Of course this varies from airport to airport, but some travellers might find it will take longer to get through because of the EES requirements.
Similarly, if someone’s collecting you perhaps give them a bit more time – especially if they’re in one of the pick-up zones that costs money.
Queues at Lanzarote Airport were up to 3-hours long for one Sun Travel reporter
Go for a bigger airport
If you can go to a bigger airport and take a longer road transfer, it could be worth it.
At a larger airport there’s likely to be more EES machines than at one of the smaller ones.
For example, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski found there were plenty more of the machines in Spain‘s Alicante Airport than in Austria‘s Salzburg.
So if you can fly into to a main hub and then continue from there, it could make your journey through the airport quicker.
Bring entertainment
If you have children, or are generally just bored of queues (and who can blame you?) – think about entertainment.
It could be worth setting the kids up with an iPad or something that will keep them occupied.
Also, bring a reserve of snacks because standing in line means no access to the airport’s cafes and shops.
Get into the priority lane
For those who are disabled, make sure to let the airline know in advance as you would usually.
After landing, staff should escort you straight through to the front of border control queues.
Many major airports offer priority family lanes at passport control for families with young children (usually under 12 years old).
Use the plane facilities
Quite simply, if you are going to be waiting in line for yours, then you want to be comfortable.
So before landing, go to the toilet on the plane.
If you’re queueing along corridors before heading into border control, then the chances are there won’t be access to toilets.
Here’s what you should expect to find when you get to an EES machine…
Select your language
Put your passport into the machine
Place your fingers onto the scanner
Look into the camera
Answer series of short questions about the trip e.g. where you’ll be staying, if you have a return journey booked and confirmation of travel insurance
In search of the perfect reset, Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney and Art Director Laura Cunningham both tried different adults-only retreats.
The spiritual getaway with Kim Kardashian’s psychic in St Lucia proved magical for Ellie, while Ibiza offered the perfect couple time for Laura and her husband.
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LUCIA SELF
St Lucia is a Caribbean island paradiseCredit: Alan CopsonDine with your feet in the sand at Malabar Beach ClubCredit: Mikael Lamber
FLYING into the Caribbean island paradise of St Lucia, I can see why it’s been chosen as the destination for a psychic retreat.
The mystical double mountains of the Pitons loom out of the mist, and I wonder what I’m going to discover about myself.
I’ve signed up to a four-day Spiritual Awakening retreat at adults-only, all-inclusive resort StolenTime, a sister property to St Lucia’s famous wellness resort, the BodyHoliday.
Set on the island’s longest white-sand beach, on its north-west coast and within seven acres of beautiful tropical gardens, StolenTime has 100 guest rooms and my veranda suite offers the most unreal view over the palm trees.
The bed is absolutely gigantic and one of the comfiest I’ve ever tried, plus there’s a super-spacious bathtub, too.
As I sit on the love seat on the huge veranda, I gaze at the sky-blue sea while tropical birds chirrup, and it strikes me that this is my idea of total heaven.
READING THE ROOM
After waking early and making the most of my jet lag by heading straight to the beach to jump into the bath-warm sea, it’s time for the group’s first session.
The retreat is run by Jayne Wallace, one of the UK’s leading psychics, who has performed readings for both Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, at home, no less.
Workshops include aura drawings and how to connect with crystalsCredit: francescoridolfi.comHead to the beach to jump into the bath-warm sea
She’s far from your stereotypical woo-woo type – 6ft tall with a Cockney London accent, she’s straight-talking, and our group of six are all champing at the bit for a personal reading from her.
But first up is a workshop on flower psychometry, AKA flower readings. We each pick a flower and give it to a partner, who then has to describe what the bloom tells us about the picker.
It’s obviously not the most scientific process, but after a stressful few months, it is incredibly restorative staring at petals and trying to find out more about my fellow travellers.
Other workshops include aura drawings, how to connect with crystals and, my favourite, moon manifestation, which involves writing down our heart’s desires, then lighting bits of paper and sending them skywards in lanterns.
We cackle as the lanterns don’t quite do what we want them to. I’m pleased to say, my personal reading with Jayne was worth the wait in the end.
And while I’m not going to divulge all the juicy details, there were a few things she got spot-on, including how wonderful my daughter is! Her readings also really seemed to comfort other members of the group.
JURASSIC JAUNTS
When we’re not tuning into our psychic selves, the hotel offers everything for the stressed-out soul – from yoga and Pilates to water-skiing, pickleball and archery.
There are two swimming pools and a lazy river, and each morning I head to the beach to grab fresh coconut water straight from the source, before digging into pastries, freshly made omelettes and delicious papaya at the buffet breakfast.
There are two swimming pools and a lazy riverCredit: Supplied by hotel PRThe bed was absolutely giganticCredit: ALEX LUKEY
Come dinner, I dine with my feet in the sand at Malabar Beach Club and feast on treats like jerk pork rillettes with prunes and pancetta, and chips, of course!
Puds include roasted cashew nut tart with amaretto and beetroot ice cream, which sounds odd, but is divine.
On the last day, we take a four-hour boat trip, £56 per person, to spy the Pitons – think Jurassic Park views – and snorkel in coves. I gasp as I see a squid swim among the coral and coloured shoals of fish.
Later, we head to StolenTime’s champagne bar for a final toast. As I sit on a swing chair suspended from a 150-year-old samaan tree, its huge branches adorned with fairy lights, it feels as if I’ve found magic.
MORE THAN ALL WHITE
As the sky turns golden, we paddle into an atmospheric coastal cave, and I can’t help but mouth “wow” to my husband Barney, before promptly toppling off my paddleboard and splashing into the warm waters of the Med.
We’re on a two-hour guided sunset tour from our dreamy digs, the adults-only retreat of Cala San Miguel in northern Ibiza.
Cala San Miguel in northern IbizaCredit: SuppliedThe resort offers a host of complimentary wellbeing activitiesCredit: Supplied
Just hours in, we’re already feeling more zen than we have in months – as two exhausted parents of three children under 10, we’re enjoying some much-needed couple time here.
The resort offers a host of complimentary wellbeing activities, including painting, guided hikes and mornings of yoga and sound healing.
Succumbing to the sound of gentle bongs and rain sticks make for the perfect start to any day.
The decor is all soft linens and natural wood tones, and a short stroll through lush gardens brings us to the private sandy beach – we spend our days flitting between here, the three pools and the seven eateries.
For lunch, poolside bar Calido serves up Asian-fusion dishes, such as crispy prawns with kimchi sauce, £16.
By night, its terrace transforms into La Savina, with succulent roasted poussin, £28, that we pair with sangria, £14 a glass.
The decor is all soft linens and natural wood tonesCredit: Supplied
But high above the bay sits Italian restaurant Da’mar, which wins for its stunning views and its gorgeously garlicky fettuccine puttanesca, £21.
Our favourite afternoons are spent at the Beach House right on the sand, tucking into fried squid, £21, creamy omelette with the freshest of red prawns, £19.50, and huge cuttlefish paella served straight from the pan, £28.
On our last evening, as we sink into a massive bean bag for a movie night under the stars, there’s the bonus soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, and we’re already planning our return.
B&B stays at Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort cost from £193 per night (Calasanmiguelresort.com).
FYI
All-inclusive stays at StolenTime cost from £430 per night. The next Psychic Sisters StolenTime retreat is planned for August 2026 (Stolentime.com/psychicsisters).