holiday

QUEEN of the Sun £9.50 holiday, Tracy Kennedy, is back to answer your burning questions on all things budget breaks

Tracy has been taking £9.50 holidays for 30 years, and even runs a Facebook group dedicated to helping people book their Sun holidays.

Now she’s here to answer all things Hols from £9.50, from how to get a good deal during the school holidays to the items she can never leave without packing.

https://thesun.formstack.com/forms/js.php/travel_agony_aunt_2026Online Form – 9.50 Hols Agony Aunt – 2026

You can leave a question for Tracy by filling out the form above, and with each Q&A with Tracy we will pick one lucky reader to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

This week’s winner of a £100 Amazon voucher is Stephanie Marriott. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Are there any 9.50 holidays left to book?

Kelly Noble

Read more on £9.50 holidays

PARK UP

Major holiday park reopens after huge £5m makeover & you can stay with £9.50 Hols

VIEWFINDER

The beautiful and historic corners of the UK where you can book a £9.50 holiday

Yes! The next top up is coming on July 7 for Sun Club members, and July 8 for people collecting codes.

The first lot of £9.50 holidays come out in January, but there are many promotions throughout the year. The cheapest holidays do tend to go quick, but don’t let that put you off.

My secret tip is that some people book and then they choose to upgrade, so those cheaper dates that were once sold out come back and are then released again.

And if you are signed up to Sun Club, you’ll get first pick of the holidays during each top-up.

Always keep an eye out for the top-up promotions and check the website regularly.

How do I get a good deal during the school holidays?

Fiona Curry

If you have specific dates in mind, I always recommend being up and waiting for the moment when the £9.50 holidays are released.

Sun Club get to book first, so I’d recommend joining so you get first access. It’s only £1.99 a month, and we all stay up for when access opens to Sun Club members at midnight.

That way you get to book your holiday before the final codes drop.

Firstly, research the parks you’d like to go to, and have all the parks and dates you’d ideally want written down in front of you.

Just in case they don’t come up, I suggest having some alternatives that you wouldn’t mind going to.

Not every park has availability during the school summer holidays, but quite a few of them do.

There is also quite a lot of availability in other school holiday periods, like October half term, which can be a lovely time to go with lots of themed activities.

Seal Bay and Golden Coast are two family-friendly parks that have offered dates in the school summer holidays – and you’re not going to find a holiday at popular parks like that for a cheaper price anywhere else.

What is your essential packing item? Not the obvious (food, clothes, towels) but a little something that makes the trip so much easier?

Lorraine Cooper

Every time I go away, I take an essentials box with me. My mum used to always bring one on trips when I was little, and now I do the same.

It’s basically a box packed with all your essential bits, like washing up liquid and sponges. I even take those little travel-sized bottles and siphon off any cleaning products or toiletries into them.

We also bring tins, pasta, spices, non-perishable foods like that. The kind of bits you’d reach for in your cupboard at home, that might not be there in your caravan.

Bringing those sorts of bits with you will save you spending an extortionate amount at the on-site shop. Then you only need to buy any fresh food once you’re there.

Also, always pack a tin opener and potato peeler, just in case!

What are the best parks for a longer (seven day) trip?

Sharath Reddy

For a longer trip, you’ll want a holiday park with loads to do on-site so that there’s enough to keep you busy for a whole week.

For this I’d recommend Seal Bay in Selsey, which is in West Sussex. It’s definitely got enough to keep you busy.

On site it feels like one big party park. Seal Bay has its own fairground and it’s right on the beach, so definitely have a beach day. There’s even a bar which is practically on the beach.

It’s also got a lovely big pool with lots of water activities, so you could also have a pool day. It’s also got a Wave Rider surfing machine.

Then when you want to explore off-site you’ve got Bognor Regis, Chichester and Littlehampton all nearby.

You could easily spend a full day in Chichester. It’s a town with a great big cathedral and lots of artsy and historical things to do, with museums and galleries.

In Littlehampton you’ve got beaches and Harbour Park with rollercoasters, and it also has a miniature railway.

Then of course you’ve got Bognor Regis, which is a fantastic British seaside town. It’s got a beautiful seafront, a small traditional pier, and all the classics like hot doughnuts and fish and chip shops by the sea.

You could even buy a day pass to Butlins if you wanted. So you can bag a cheap stay with £9.50 holidays, then buy a Butlins day pass to go over and do all their daytime activities and visit the fairground.

What would you suggest to make a £9.50 holiday a bit more manageable for SEN families?

Stephanie Marriott

I actually get this question a lot in my Facebook group, and it’s a very important one.

Depending on how old your children are, if you can go away outside of the school holidays, then do. The parks tend to be a lot quieter which can be helpful.

But if that isn’t doable, you can always ring the site and ask if they have any special hours for kids with extra needs. Quite a lot of them offer a quiet hour at the pool, for example.

I’d also recommend having a look at the activities and entertainment program ahead of time to see what you would like to spend each day doing.

There are usually things like arts and crafts and indoor activities which might be a bit quieter than the full-on evening entertainment.

YOU don’t need to board a flight for massive waterparks, thrilling rollercoasters and sunset open-air movie nights.

The UK is home to some incredible mega resorts that pack in all the entertainment your family could want.

And the best part is that you can book them with Hols from £9.50.

Hundreds of new £9.50 holidays are set to land over at club950.co.uk this July.

To be among the first to access them, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

While those collecting codes in the paper can access the hols from July 8, Sun Club members can log on a whole day early on July 7.

Read more on holiday parks

HOT DEAL

Last-minute cheap breaks to UK holiday parks this sunny weekend from £11pp a night

CELEB SPOT

Quaint seaside town with UK’s biggest hols park welcomed 2 huge stars this week

Being able to book an entire day early can make all the difference, as popular parks and dates send to sell out fast. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month, and you’l be ahead of the booking crowds.

We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best UK holiday parks with new dates dropping with the July £9.50 Hols top-up.

These include the UK’s biggest holiday park, and a popular beachfront resort with its own on-site theme park and waterpark.

Here’s our selection of the mega UK holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50 this July.

Unity Beach, Brean

Unity Beach in Somerset is a huge award-winning resort with plenty to do for families, plus you’re just steps away from the seven mile stretch of beach at Brean Sands.

This park boasts its own theme park, Brean Theme Park, which the largest in the South West. It has over 40 attractions, including outdoor rollercoasters, classic dodgems and a log flume.

The park also has its own waterpark, Unity Splash, which is reopening this summer with new upgrades. There’s both an indoor and outdoor splash zone, with waterslides and rubber ring rides.

And if that’s not enough, there’s axe throwing, crossbow shooting, a trampoline park, indoor soft play and a nine hole golf course.

Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

Spread across 235 acres of parkland and lakes, Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire is a massive playground for family entertainment.

This newly-upgraded site is packed with unique activities, from a BMX pump track and alpaca feeding to paddleboard hire and its very own miniature railway.

The park puts on plenty of outdoor entertainment like silent discos and outdoor cinema shows, plus you can grab a bite at the on-site burger joint or dessert shop.

Then end your nights by retreating back to a cosy lakeside pod right on the water.

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Golden Sands Holiday Park in the traditional seaside town of Rhyl is the ideal base to explore North Wales.

This park puts you within short driving distance of legendary castles such as Gwyrch and Bodelwyddan, plus there’s beautiful nature spots like Dyserth Waterfall on your doorstep.

When you aren’t out exploring, on-site there’s a heated indoor pool, arcades, a sports court, plus a soft play area.

Plus there’s plenty of activities that kids will love such as slime workshops and NERF gun battles.

Grab some dinner from the site’s traditional fish and chip shop before settling down to watch the live entertainment kick off in the evening.

Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, and the biggest in the UK, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of things to do at Trecco Bay.

Explore the sprawling pool with aqua jets that help you twist and turn under the water, or hop in an aqua paddler mini boat or inflatable jet ski and take in the views from up top.

Back on dry land there’s bumper zorbing and an outdoor battlefield for NERF guns, plus pirate-themed golf and a Make a Bear zone where kids can create their own cuddly friend to take home.

When it comes to food and drink, you can pick from well known eateries like Papa Johns pizza, Burger King, Thunderbird Fried Chicken and sip on Costa Coffee.

Plus the town of Porthcawl is right on your doorstep, with multiple Blue Flag beaches, a scenic promenade to stroll and a funfair to enjoy.

Lighthouse Leisure, Dumfries

Just a stone’s throw away from the local beach and its landmark lighthouse, Lighthouse Leisure is a coastal, family-run park with a warm and friendly feel.

Entertainment here offers all the holiday park classics from kids evening discos to bingo, karaoke and race nights.

The site also has a heated indoor pool perfect for rainy days, plus an outdoor adventure playground that kids love to climb.

From here it’s a 28 minute drive to Dumfries, where you can take the kids to meet the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun or explore the massive ruins of Caerlaverock Castle.

In many ways, Saturday was a typical July 4 holiday in the United States.

The country marked the anniversary of its Declaration of Independence with hotdog-eating contests, parades, fireworks and baseball games.

But this Independence Day was different, not least because it marked the country’s semiquincentennial: the 250th year since the US’s founding.

It also was one of the most politically charged Independence Day celebrations in recent memory.

President Donald Trump is expected to speak this evening from the National Mall in Washington, DC, right before what has been billed as the “world’s largest fireworks display”.

More than 850,000 fireworks are expected to launch from barges in the Potomac River, lighting up the sky above the capital.

But while Independence Day festivities have long been billed as non-partisan events, Trump has pledged to make the night’s celebration “the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all”.

The event comes as Trump’s Republican Party seeks to defend its control of Congress in November’s midterm elections, with a heated primary season already under way.

Trump’s involvement in the semiquincentennial has long been controversial.

On January 29, 2025 — just nine days into his second term as president — Trump issued an executive order establishing a White House task force to oversee celebrations for the 250th anniversary. Trump named himself its chair.

That task force would eventually set the groundwork for Freedom 250, a public-private partnership that organised some of the biggest events of the semiquincentennial, including the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.

But Freedom 250 was accused of funnelling resources away from America250, a congressionally approved panel that had likewise been charged with planning semiquincentennial celebrations since its founding in 2016.

The existence of the two groups has also spurred confusion. In late May, for instance, a suite of performers dropped out of the Great American State Fair, alleging they had been misled about its affiliation with Trump.

Before Saturday’s events, Democrats in the House of Representatives released a report (PDF) accusing Trump of using Freedom 250 for political purposes, including by awarding contracts to Trump allies.

It also alleges that Freedom 250 has been “operating outside the transparency and accountability requirements” Congress imposes on such celebrations — and that it may even have committed wire fraud by redirecting “unsuspecting donors” away from America250 and towards its own programmes.

“Under President Donald Trump, this anniversary has been hijacked and perverted into a hotbed of corruption and self-enrichment,” the report reads.

But speaking at a naval parade in New York City on Saturday, Vice President JD Vance brushed aside the criticisms. He called on revellers to reject the “small but loud voices” that “speak obsessively” of the US’s “imperfections”.

“What I’d ask you to do, my fellow Americans, on our 250th birthday, is to reject the two-dimensional view of your fellow citizens and reject the two-dimensional view of your country,” he said.

“Reject that America is a place for zero-sum thinking because it is not. Our history is one of people carving a great civilisation out of the wilderness. Reject the view of your nation that sees only its sins but not its grace and its greatness.”

WASHINGTON — President Trump ushered in the 250th anniversary of American independence on Friday with soaring rhetoric about American exceptionalism before veering into a darkly political speech with warnings about a sinister threat of communism that evoked one of the country’s ugliest chapters.

“Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,” he said from Mt. Rushmore. “It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.”

While the language was similar to several other speeches Trump has given in recent days, it was notable for being delivered in a national park that commemorates some of America’s most prominent presidents. And it swerved from the typically apolitical, unifying speeches past presidents like Gerald Ford or Ronald Reagan have delivered during earlier high-profile Independence Day celebrations.

Indeed, Trump’s language evoked the Red Scare of the 1950s, when purported communists were persecuted and blacklisted from jobs across America, from Washington to Hollywood.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, delivered his own address that cast America as a nation of contradictions “working each day towards the perfection in which it was conceived.”

The president’s speech capped an Independence Day eve that was otherwise most notable for a brutal heat wave that gripped much of the eastern portion of the country. Officials have warned those celebrating the holiday to stay hydrated and take air-conditioned breaks as needed.

Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence parade Friday. The Great American State Fair in Washington shut down in the early afternoon before reopening at 5 p.m. The Capitol Fourth concert, a mainstay of the holiday in Washington, opened its gates a little later than normal but ultimately moved forward with appearances from Patti LaBelle, Trace Adkins, members of the Artemis II space mission and fireworks over George Washington’s Mount Vernon. An Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday in Washington was canceled.

Looking for a place to cool off

By early afternoon Friday in Washington, hundreds of people were roaming the grounds of the National Mall, home to the Great American State Fair. They snapped photos of the flyovers and tried to cool off inside tents that offered $9 lemonades and $23 turkey legs. Many were dressed in patriotic colors, their faces glistening with sweat.

Glenn Brooks, who was pardoned by Trump for his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, said he was “thankful to be participating in this grand event.”

The activity culminates in the main event Saturday, when fireworks will erupt in communities across the U.S., along with backyard cookouts and block parties. Trump will deliver another speech at the National Mall in Washington before what is being billed as a historically massive fireworks show.

As the rest of the country struggled under stifling heat, the Pacific Northwest enjoyed temperatures in the 60s with even a few light showers.

World Cup soccer fans in Seattle were staying cool Friday as they got psyched up for Monday’s big game between the U.S. and Belgium. In the nearby suburb of Issaquah, Megan Kurowski, 31, brought her two dogs to the dog park so they could get some exercise before she went to work.

Kurowski said she was feeling positive about America’s 250th anniversary and was planning a possible paddleboard to watch the fireworks.

“Everyone’s just, from what it seems, been pretty excited about celebrating 250 years,” she said.

The holiday is unfolding at a unique time in the U.S. The anniversary has served as an opportunity for the country to reflect on its history while also reminding it of the political polarization of the moment.

On a holiday of unity, there is an undercurrent of division

In New York, Mamdani, a Democrat, did not mention Trump by name, but parts of his speech appeared aimed at the president’s divisive rhetoric.

“For generation after generation, we have been told that when the world has sent its people to our shores, it has not sent its best,” Mamdani said in an apparent reference to a common criticism from Trump. “Those ideals upon which our nation was built — they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them.”

Freedom 250, an organization aligned with the White House, has come to rival America250, a bipartisan group founded by Congress a decade ago. Freedom 250 has organized much of the activity in Washington, including the Great American State Fair. America250 is behind the ball drops unfolding in many cities, including New York, and will host a concert in Los Angeles on Saturday.

About 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel “proud” about the country’s 250th anniversary, according to an April survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Roughly 3 in 10 said “excited” describes their emotions.

Ahead of the holiday, auto technician Joe Fuqua-Bejarano in Topeka, Kansas, sized up “what makes us awesome” as a people. It is clearly not the politics, in his view, but rather resilience.

“We’ve just all got to find unity somewhere, whether that’s in laughter or perseverance, and keep everybody cool,” he said from the fireworks stand where he is doing a booming business as a side hustle.

Christina Zhou, a 25-year-old research assistant from Cambridge, Mass., said she would aim to “think about just things that are happening locally.”

“It feels a little bit more like within our own personal control,” she said.

Jerry Chin of Newcastle, Wash., said he wasn’t aware that the U.S. was celebrating its 250th anniversary and planned to stay low-key around the holiday. He and his wife generally skip the fireworks and instead stay home with their fearful dogs to keep them calm.

“America’s a great place, but there are some concerns,” he said. Chin, 55, and his wife worry about healthcare and issues around staying healthy, but they also stress about politics.

“We’re Democrats, so kind of given up hope,” he said. “Just feel that it is the way it is. I don’t know if there could be change.”

At the National Archives in Washington, visitors made their way through the Rotunda to look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights — and to escape the heat outside.

Michael Dresdner, 60, traveled from West Orange, N.J., with his wife, Cindi, 57, and about two dozen other people to be part of the America 250 celebrations. He said their group of travelers included people on both sides of the political aisle — and that is what gave him hope for the future of American democracy.

“We are all here, and we all love America,” he said.

Sloan, Peoples and Price write for the Associated Press. Peoples reported from New York. Associated Press writers Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Anthony Izaguirre in New York, John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., Michael Casey in Cambridge, Mass., and Calvin Woodward, Didi Tang, Gary Fields and Nathan Ellgren in Washington contributed to this report.

The travel expert has urged holidaymakers to avoid falling for the viral tip

Travel expert Simon Calder has branded a viral holiday-booking tip as an “urban myth”. Holidaymakers want to do all they can to save money on their trips, but it can be hard to know the best way to book.

Finding the best price can be tough, as you can book early to snap up a bargain or leave it until the last minute to secure cheap airline seats that haven’t sold out. When looking for flights, prices can also change by the day.

Airlines can use dynamic pricing to raise or lower ticket prices based on demand. Some people have claimed that booking websites can collect information from your browsing history and increase prices because they know you are interested.

It has been suggested to use private or incognito mode and to clear cookies before searching to get the best price. However, expert Simon has given his own verdict on the travel hack, branding it “nonsense”.

On his Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast, he was asked if using incognito mode works and if it makes bookings cheaper. Simon replied: “Thank goodness for this [question], we have got the chance to get rid of this nonsense absolutely.

“It is an urban myth, and I will of course be delighted to learn if somebody has absolutely got video footage of somebody with a computer with cookies on and cookies without.

“The thought is that ‘oh, we know that Greg is looking for flights, so therefore next time he goes on, we will put the price up to grab all his money’. It doesn’t work like that.”

Simon explained that prices do sometimes change when looking for them because other people have booked onto the same flight.

He said: “We are lucky enough to be living in a very competitive era where airlines are charging whatever they can get away with. If the price has increased since the last time you looked, it’s only because someone like me has come along and booked seats.”

If you already have a holiday booked this summer, Simon previously shared a stark warning to ensure it doesn’t end up “wrecked”. The expert explained that “thousands upon thousands” of travellers have already been caught out and missed their long-awaited breaks.

Brits travelling to EU or Schengen area destinations cannot hold passports that are older than 10 years upon arrival at their holiday destination. The passport must also remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date you intend to return home.

Simon appeared on BBC Radio 2 to encourage everyone with holidays booked to check their passports before it’s too late.

He said: “You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued.

“Everywhere else only cares about the expiry date. Please, if you are going away in June, July, and August, please check that your passport will comply.

“Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays.”

On The Beach’s Rob Brooks has highlighted a city he claims is the ‘Barcelona of Eastern Europe’ that boasts a stunning beach, vibrant streets and architecture, and restaurants that don’t require you to spend a fortune

If you’re yet a to book a trip abroad this summer, a holiday expert highly recommends the “best hidden gem beach holiday” in Europe, claiming it comes at a fraction of the price of the most popular resorts on the continent. Rob Brooks, who works for travel agent, On The Beach, took to TikTok with advice for those who’d appreciate all the perks of Barcelona, but without the cost.

“I’ve just found Eastern Europe’s Barcelona, and you’ve definitely never heard of it,” he began in a video. “So here’s some clues – it’s half the price, around a two-hour flight from the UK, it’s brilliant for families and it can even feel like proper luxury if you book smart.”

For anyone wondering where Rob could be referring to, he went on to tease that it’s not in Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or France.

“One destination has suddenly landed on my desk after a sudden explosion in holiday searches,” he continued. “So I went away and did my research, crunched the numbers and dug through the data – and now I’m genuinely convinced this could be one of Europe’s biggest hotspots in a few years.”

Rob admitted that he had previosuly considered the destination a “rogue place” for a beach holiday, but that all changed when he saw the photos of it.

“It’s got a huge, golden sandy beach, it’s got loads of beachfront bars and restaurants… colourful streets, beautiful architecture and there’s loads of luxury hotels and a massive pier that stretches out right into the sea,” he enthused.

Rob said he then realised why comparisons are being made to Barcelona – only this location is “nowhere near as busy or expensive”, and hardly anyone is talking about it.

Direct flights from UK airports take as little as two hours and five minutes, with Rob finding one for as little as £36.

“It sounds much further away than it actually is, but what really caught my eye is how much variety there is there,” he explained. “You can spend the morning on the beach, wander around beautiful old streets in the afternoon, eat ridiculously well and eat gorgeous food without spending a fortune – and because spending money goes such a long way here, it feels way more luxury than it probably should.”

So where is Rob talking about? “Summer temperatures are sitting at up to 26 degrees… I really don’t think this place will stay a secret for much longer,” he said. “The more I looked into it, the more I realised that this location is only going to get bigger and bigger over the next few years.

“It’s Sopot – a gorgeous seaside town on Poland’s Baltic coast. I even found a deal here I genuinely might book myself.”

Rob closed by highlighting one particular deal – five nights at the Hotel Aqua beside the beach for just £265 per person – which includes flights from London Stansted Airport this September.

“You’re getting Barcelona’s beach culture, but for Poland’s prices,” he declared.

Sopot’s tourism website boasts online: “Sopot is one of the most charming places in Poland and a hugely popular Baltic resort. Here you’ll find not only abundant greenery, beautiful sandy beaches, and the soothing sound of waves, but also a rich history, spa architecture, and top-class hotels and restaurants.”

Writing in response to Rob’s video, one TikTok user exclaimed: “It’s a beautiful place, I was there in May. Gdansk is just along the way which is even better. Definitely worth a visit.”

A second person added: “Sopot is a beautiful town and so is neighbouring Gdynia. Both towns are within a short commute of the larger city of Gdansk, which is also a marvel. Very clean environment, moderate prices to eat out and drink and very well worth a visit.”

While a third wrote: “Sopot is stunning, we had a great time earlier this year. We stayed in Gdansk which is about 15 minutes by train. I couldn’t recommend both places enough.”

Budget conscious Brits are swapping Center Parcs for European park breaks that are considerably cheaper. But is it worth the faff of travelling abroad? We gave it a try

I remember the exact moment we realised we weren’t a Center Parcs family anymore. The kids were having one last run round the playground before we stuffed everything in the car to come home after an idyllic weekend away and my husband nipped off to buy drinks.

He returned ashen-faced: “I just paid five quid for two Fruit Shoots.”

It turns out we have a line and that was it. Despite half a dozen fun-packed stays, those Fruit Shoots were the moment we knew we couldn’t justify Center Parcs prices anymore.

If my hours spent browsing parenting groups online are anything to go by, we’re not alone. Initially we branched out, exploring Haven and Parkdean resorts around the UK. But as an avid bargain hunter I’d seen plenty of chat everywhere from Mumsnet to Reddit about the savings to be made on European holiday camp breaks. After ChatGPTing the practicalities of driving in France, we swapped Center Parcs for Eurocamp this May bank holiday and it was so amazing we’re already plotting a return visit.

Eurocamp has built a reputation for the ultimate activity-led park holidays, with 400 options across 11 countries. We booked into Domaine des Ormes, set in 400 acres of lush French countryside, complete with a forest, lakes, golf course and a medieval castle at its heart. It has a variety of different types of accommodation for all budgets ranging from traditional camping to modern lodges, a luxury hotel and even floating cabins and treehouses. We went for a lodge and were pleasantly surprised when we unlocked our home from home.

Inside the lodge

The lodge had everything we needed for a five night stay and several perks that brought joy to our 10- and 12-year-old children, notably a bedroom each for when family time got a bit much and free (and largely reliable) wifi for all, perfect for some down time.

The main living space included a well-stocked kitchen with a full size fridge freezer, L-shaped sofa and dining table. The inside felt slightly smaller than Center Parcs lodges we’ve stayed in and there was no TV but neither of these things bothered us, thanks in part to the biggest difference we found with the swap.

In a nod to the consistently better weather on the continent, our lodge was very much optimised for outdoor living. It had a huge covered decking area with another, even larger, L-shaped sofa, alongside a second outdoor dining table and chairs. With temperatures soaring to up to 30 degrees during our stay we spent most of our time outside, either eating meals or on the sofa.

It was the perfect place to relax as a family, playing card games, with wine for the grown ups and iced drinks for the kids (it’d be rude not to), or enjoying outdoor movie nights courtesy of Netflix on a tablet balanced on the coffee table. Bliss.

Things to do

Domaine des Ormes’ jewel in the crown is a huge aquapark with slides, lazy river, wave pool and indoor and outdoor swimming options aplenty. If you’re looking for an alternative to the iconic Center Parcs Subtropical Swimming Paradise this is it in spades. Available at no extra cost, we spent hours there every day. The kids loved using the zip line over the pool, launching themselves across the water before jumping in at speed.

Zip lines were a recurring theme of the resort, with holidaymakers of all ages queuing up to soar over the lake. It only cost 6 Euros a person for two goes across the zipline – much cheaper than any Center Parcs activity we’d ever done – and it was another huge hit with the kids who, it turns out given half a chance, are real daredevils (see also a 20ft high climbing frame in one of the outdoor playgrounds which my son made his mission to scale through the week, while I stood at the bottom with my heart in my mouth).

There were plenty of other things to do, including kids clubs, archery, horse riding and even a circus (10 Euro per adult, 9 per child) but we found the mix of pool, down time and eating out was plenty to keep everyone occupied without racking up much extra cost.

Eating and drinking

Domaine des Ormes had two restaurants and two bars on-site as well as a well-stocked convenience store. Our top pick was Chez Madeline, which had stone baked pizzas, juicy rotisserie chicken and a 10 Euro kids menu with portions big enough that we took leftovers home.

Having a car meant we could also explore so we nipped to the local Carrefour supermarket in Dol-de-Bretagne to fill the fridge with cheese, smoked meat, fruit and salad. We also discovered the best steak frites any of us had ever had on the way home, in another holiday highlight.

Final verdict

I’m so glad we took the plunge. Driving in France was nowhere near as stressful as we’d feared. Minimal language barriers were easily overcome and with about half the families at Eurocamp English the kids had plenty of new friends to play with.

The highlights were the small moments: my 12-year-old being able to walk to the resort shop to buy breakfast croissants for us to eat together on the deck as the sun rose and excitedly haggling to buy some hair clips from the market that came to the resort one sunny afternoon; my son’s confidence growing every day he got higher up that climbing frame.

Domaine des Ormes was large enough to keep everyone busy and entertained but still compact enough that we could have a little bubble of time as a family together. Overall it was well worth the effort stepping outside of our comfort zone.

How do Eurocamp prices compare with Center Parcs?

There are still some savings for anyone booking at Domaine des Ormes this summer, although some of the most popular accommodation types are sold out. Currently, a four night stay for a two bedroom lodge through Eurocamp starting on Monday, July 20 is £975. A similar two-room lodge at our nearest Center Parcs – Woburn Forest just outside of Milton Keynes – would be £1,449 for the same time.

There are even chunkier savings available if you’re planning ahead. For October half term Eurocamp is £289.64 for four nights, compared to £1,699 for Center Parcs. Meanwhile, May half term 2027 is £786 for Eurocamp and £1,599 for Center Parcs.

While, of course, you have to factor in travel costs for a trip to France, for us the cheaper activities and idyllic surroundings make it worth the effort.

Book it

Narin stayed at the Domaine des Ormes Eurocamp. Currently, a four night stay for a two bedroom lodge through Eurocamp starting on Monday, July 20 is £975. For the October half term, Eurocamp is £289.64 for four nights.

The cost of taking a car on Le Shuttle starts at £69, and £89 for Brittany Ferries.

WASHINGTON — Festivities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain kick into higher gear across the United States on Friday as celebrations are balanced with efforts to stay safe as much of the country bakes under extreme heat.

President Trump will travel to South Dakota to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mt. Rushmore. And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.

The activity culminates in the main event Saturday, when fireworks will erupt in communities across the U.S., along with backyard cookouts and block parties. Trump will deliver another speech at the National Mall in Washington before what is being billed as a historically massive fireworks show.

But for all the celebrations, there are also serious safety considerations as potentially record heat grips much of the Midwest and East Coast. Officials have warned those celebrating the holiday to stay hydrated and take air-conditioned breaks as needed.

The heat has already affected some of the programming surrounding the holiday. In Washington, organizers of the Capitol Fourth concert banned the public from attending a Thursday rehearsal because of the heat.

The concert Friday, a staple of Washington’s Independence Day traditions, is on, but the gates will open to the public later than usual, at 7 p.m. EDT, an hour before the show. Organizers of celebrations in Washington on Saturday said they were adding water stations along with cooling resources and medical support.

From Boston to Norristown, Penn., and Gettysburg National Military Park, plans were shifting to accommodate the soaring temperatures. Amtrak canceled some trains in the Northeast due to excessive heat that could affect the tracks.

The holiday is unfolding at a unique time in the U.S. The anniversary has served as an opportunity for the country to reflect on its history while also reminding it of the political polarization of the moment.

Even the celebrations themselves have not quite escaped the divide.

Freedom 250, an organization aligned with the White House, has come to rival America250, a bipartisan group founded by Congress a decade ago. Freedom 250 has organized much of the activity in Washington, including the Great American State Fair, which has gained attention for the relatively small crowds it has attracted. America250 is behind the ball drops unfolding in many cities, including New York, and will host a concert in Los Angeles on Saturday.

About 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel “proud” about the country’s 250th anniversary, according to an April survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Roughly 3 in 10 said “excited” describes their emotions.

Sloan writes for the Associated Press. Associated Press writers John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., Michael Casey in Cambridge, Mass., and Calvin Woodward in Washington contributed to this report.

SUN Hols from £9.50 are back, with thousands more bargain breaks being released next week.

If you’re still looking to book an affordable holiday to look forward to with the family, then you’re in luck.

We’ve rounded up 9 of the top UK Hols from £9.50 resorts receiving NEW breaks to book from next week – and it turns out they are some of the most popular holiday parks among Sun readers.

BUT… if you want early access to be one of the first to bag a booking, then join Sun Club for £1.99 a month, or £12 for the year, as Sun Club members get priority access when booking.

Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked on Wednesday, July 8, with thousands of new holidays available.

But if you want to book them earlier than anyone else, you should sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month, or £12 for the year.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

KID YOU NOT

The £9.50 holiday spots packed with cheap and FREE things to do for families

RIDE ON

The UK seaside towns with their own theme parks where you can stay from £9.50

Sun Club members get access to the holidays from midnight on Tuesday, July 7, so will get the first pick of holidays.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find Hols From £9.50.

Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, July 7.

Lighthouse Leisure

Two minutes’ walk from the beach and the picturesque lighthouse that gives this holiday park its name, Lighthouse Leisure is a well-located holiday park.

This family resort is in Dumfries, Scotland, a beautiful market town which sits on the Anglo-Scottish border.

Nearby family days out include meeting the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun, visiting impressive castles like Century Caerlaverock, and learning about the famous Scottish writer at the Robert Burns House.

The holiday park itself however has plenty to do, like an outdoor play park which kids love to climb and an entertainment lounge and bar that grown-ups love to retire to in the evenings.

And with family discos, bingo, karaoke nights and more, you’ll be sure to make some lasting family memories on holiday here.

Seal Bay Resort

Seal Bay was the number 1 most popular park with £9.50 holidaymakers last year, and you can still book a holiday there in time for this Easter.

With so many activities for families of all ages, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit.

Kids can have a go on the park’s surfing simulator, tackle the climbing wall, or try their hand at digital darts, axe throwing and archery.

This resort sits smack-bang on the beachfront of Selsey, and accommodation includes everything from simple seaside caravans to luxurious glamping or beachfront pods.

All stays come with access to swimming pools and the resort’s top-rated entertainment, so there’s no need to fork out on extra passes.

Nearby there’s plenty of family attractions like the Harbour Park amusements and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

Hayling Island Holiday Park

Just east of Portsmouth, Hayling Island is packed with family activities and golden beaches to explore.

At Hayling Island Holiday Park, kids will love the on-site splash park, arcades and adventure playground.

Plus activities like a Wipeout inflatable course, disc golf and ‘Tough Mutter’ dog agility course are hard to find elsewhere!

The park comes alive at sunset with evening entertainment, which ranges from Glow Show DJ Battles to Freddie Fever, a celebration of the band Queen.

End the night by heading back to a luxury caravan with your own hot tub, and you’ve done holiday parks right.

Parkdean Resorts Landguard

Landguard is a tranquil town surrounded by forest and golden beaches, and this holiday park has direct access to its shores.

Parkdean Resorts Landguard offers touring and camping, as well as caravans and cosy wooden lodges that are a perfect fit for the woodland surroundings.

Entertainment here is of a high-standard, with Parkdean classics like the Krew animal characters hosting meet and greets, as well as unique options like slime and squishy toy-making.

Landguard is also only a stone’s throw from Parkdean Lower Hyde, and guests can enjoy double the fun and double the facilities between both parks.

Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine

Walton-on-the-Naze is a charming countryside town by the sea, with a soft sand beach, seafront gardensa and a vintage pier to stroll.

The relaxing town is also only a few minutes’ drive to Frinton-on-Sea, another old-fashioned seaside town with plenty of walking routes waiting to be explored.

Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine is the ideal base to explore both areas, with cosy caravans that make the perfect retreat after a day out exploring.

Plus the on-site entertainment is well worth a visit here, with PAW Patrol Mighty Missions and Milkshake! mornings being just two of the exciting kids’ shows on offer.

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park

Billing Aqudrome in Northamptonshire is 235 acres of non-stop activities that kids will love.

Kids can get off their devices and in touch with nature with survival skills, den building, pond dipping, or by hopping on a paddle board or pedalo.

Plus there’s loads of other unique activities like BMX rides, dance classes and alpaca feeding.

Evening entertainment includes is all-singing and all-dancing, with fun extras like silent discos and a large outdoor amphitheatre with performances.

If you want to make the most of the nature, choose to stay in a cosy lakeside pod, or even bring your own tent to get back to basics.

And when it comes to food and drinks, there’s plenty kids will love, like the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop and Smash’d Town burger restaurant. There’s also healthier options like grazing boards available, too.

Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm

Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm has plenty to do, including both an indoor and outdoor pool, kid-friendly evening shows and lively bingo nights.

This fuss-free resort has caravans and lodges that are fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a stay, plus there’s accessible and dog-friendly options, too.

This holiday park is just 10 minutes’ walk from Clacton-on-Sea, the ideal seaside town for a family holiday.

Here you can jump on fairground rides, eat fish and chips by the sea, or test your luck on arcade games on the pier or at Clacton Pavilion.

Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde

Lower Hyde Holiday Park combines some of the very best in entertainment with a top location and plenty of food and drink options.

Sit down for a bite to eat at the family-friendly Barnhouse Bar and Restaurant, or grab a snack from the ever-popular Scoops ice cream parlour or Thunderbird Chicken shack.

Nearby you can pop into the cafes and shops of Sandown, or explore the beaches and coves of the rugged coastline.

This park is also close to the scenic town of Shanklin, where thatched-roof cottages line the picturesque old town.

Guests at Parkdean Lower Hyde can also use the facilities of the nearby Parkdean Landguard Holiday Park.

Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay

Sat on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay is a top pick for those who love beautiful natural landscapes.

The park sits within woodlands overlooking the sea, with plenty of coastal trails and walks on your doorstep.

But this peaceful location isn’t short on exciting things to do – here kids can enjoy zipping down the slide into the heated indoor swimming pool, or burn off some energy at the adventure playground or the sports courts.

There’s delicious dinner options at the Fish and Chippery, and top entertainment and cocktails at the Regatta View Showbar.

And you can end the night by catching some z’s in a comfy chalet, lodge or safari tent.

July 2 (UPI) — As the United States heads into a milestone July 4 holiday this weekend, parts of the Northeast are preparing for hazardous levels of heat and humidity, with a heat index of more than 110 possible in some places.

“‘It’s summer, it’s hot,’ ” the National Weather Service posted on social media this week. “We hear ya, but this is no ordinary heat.”

The NWS said the weekend could include “widespread highs within the mid-90s to low-to-mid-100s.”

“Numerous daily temperature records are possible, while warm overnight lows in the 70s and 80s will provide little relief,” the NWS said.

Major to extreme heat risk conditions will prevail across the Midwest — where temperatures soared mid-week — into the East Coast, with the “extreme” zone centered around portions of the Northeast including New York City, Washington and Philadelphia. About 160 million people are in this zone.

“Extreme” heat conditions are defined by the weather service as “rare and/or long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief.”

The heat index, which combines temperature and humidity readings to show how hot it feels out, could reach 110 to 115. High humidity compounds the health risks from high temperatures, as it prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, CNN reported.

This comes as the United States prepares for milestone 250th anniversary Independence Day celebrations Saturday. The weekend marks one of the busiest travel and outdoor-activity times of the year, but many local officials have urged people to stay inside in air-conditioning and to check on neighbors, The New York Times reported.

Many cities and smaller municipalities are opening cooling centers and adapting holiday plans. The federal Department of Energy declared an emergency and directed the PJM Interconnections electrical grid in the Mid-Atlantic region to “take action” to avoid power outages, ABC News reported.

“It’s really going to strain the grid,” Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and innovation at the University of Houston, said to ABC News. “I think we’re going to see peak demand that is going to be a record across different geographical areas.”

The heat wave originates from a heat dome, an area of high pressure that holds hot air in place. Europe has also been dealing with a record heat wave recently.

ANOTHER UK travel firm has entered administration after 15 years.

Travel Bespoke Ltd, which also operated under Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke and Spa Bespoke, had closed after more than a decade of selling ski and chalet holidays.

According to The Herald, the company use to offer “bespoke luxury ski experiences”.

Many of the packages were to ski resorts across Austria, France, Switzerland, Canada and the USA.

And the packages could be booked with or without flights.

As for the chalet trips, many featured luxury accommodation with some including spa stays.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

It comes as the Midhurst, Sussex holiday company stopped being an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) holder, which is the UK financial protection scheme that is run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Due to this, anyone that had a holiday booked with the company will be refunded.

ATOL reported at the end of May that they had “contacted the affected ATOL protected consumers directly”.

It added: “If you have not been contacted and believe you are entitled to a claim against an ATOL protected booking, please supply your booking details with supporting documentation by email to claims@caa.co.uk”.

Travel Bespoke Ltd is one of numerous travel companies that have gone out of business this year.

Earlier this week Groupia Ltd – which focused on group trips such as hen and stag dos as well as weekend getaways – entered administration after 24 years, cancelling some holidays.

Other UK travel firms that have entered administration this year include luxury holiday firm Salamander Voyages with yacht holidays across Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey as well as Regen Central Ltd, which used to sell package holidays.

YOU could soon have a staycation at a racetrack that has hosted Formula 1 stars.

Clay Pigeon Raceway near Dorchester is soon being demolished to make way for 226 chalets for a holiday park.

The karting track was once used by F1 drivers Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at the start of their careers.

The racetrack is also home to a disused clay pigeon shooting ground, hence the name and a caravan park.

Little details have been revealed about what the holiday park would be like and if the racetrack would be kept, though in addition to the 226 chalets, the George Albert hotel will also be expanded.

The racetrack has been open since the 1950s and was built on the grounds of a disused World War II military hospital.

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

It stretches 815 metres in total and, according to its website, has hosted nearly every major championship to tour the UK.

There is also an onsite cafe.

Visitors could head to the track and try out karting, with different options for adults and juniors.

The track is also home to Motorsport Hub, with a pit area, professional timing systems for races and even a spares shop.

Events planned for this year will go ahead as planned including the Daniel Ricciardo Series which is a UK-based karting championship that the former F1 driver launched back in 2019.

Dan Parker, head of Karting Motorsport UK, told councillors: “The venue has played an important part in British karting for decades and has supported the development of competitors, officials and volunteers, clubs and all their families throughout the south west and far beyond.”

Ryanair’s intervention comes after an open letter published online on Wednesday in which top representative bodies for Europe’s airports and airlines said that delays caused by EES had reached a “critical point”.

Ryanair has issued a warning to families travelling this summer.

The budget airline has lashed out at the EU’s passport control Entry/Exit System (EES), arguing that the system is not ready for the end-of-school-term travel period, when millions of families will travel across Europe for their summer holidays.

Ryanair has called on European governments to suspend the rollout of EES until September, when the busiest travel period has passed, to prevent passengers, many travelling with young families, from being forced to suffer long and avoidable passport control queues.

The airline’s intervention comes after an open letter published online on Wednesday in which top representative bodies for Europe’s airports and airlines said that delays caused by EES had reached a “critical point”.

“Passengers have already been forced to queue for extended periods outside terminal buildings and on exposed aprons because border control facilities cannot process arrivals quickly enough. Airlines face half-empty planes at gate closing time, while passengers are stuck in border control queues,” the statement from industry groups ACI Europe, which represents airports, Airlines 4 Europe and the International Air Transport Association, which represents airlines, read.

The group claimed some planes have had to delay takeoff while waiting for passengers and that queues are reaching up to five hours at peak times. Recently, The Mirror exclusively reported that huge passport and security queues at Athens Airport led to passengers missing their Ryanair flight – without the EES gates even being in operation.

Ryanair has warned passengers of the increased queues at passport control when travelling to non-Schengen destinations, and urged them arrive earlier at the airport.