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Milo Boyd wanted to see how best to learn a bit of Spanish before heading on holiday, putting Preply, Rosetta Stone and Battersea Spanish language school to the test

“¿Hola, qué tal?”

Cue a string of mysterious words from the cheery bartender I’d nervously tested out my very limited Spanish on. When she stopped speaking, I took that to be my turn.

“¿Me puede dar tres cervezas y tres tortillas?”

After the bartender looked confused for a moment, a miracle happened. Three beers and three tortillas arrived. If you’ve ever spent time learning a language, then you’ll know how toe-curling it can be to try it out, in the wild, for the first time.

Without an expert tutor to pick through your dodgy accent or an encouraging classmate to wait patiently while you remember what the Spanish word for ‘I’ is (yo, incidentally), it’s easy for it all to fall apart.

And on several occasions during my week in Bilbao, it did. Fumbled orders turned to English halfway through; garbled questions were met with blank stares. But when it works, it’s a fantastic feeling that almost lets you forget all the traumatic memories of KS3 French lessons.

If you do want to pick up a bit of a language before heading on holiday, how best to go about it? I put three different ways of learning to the test and found one clear winner.

The evening classes

It’d been ten years since I was last in a classroom, and I was nervous. Would my classmates like me? Would they all be really young? Would they all already know Spanish for some reason?

It’s certainly daunting going back to school, all these years on, however shiny your new pencil case is. Battersea Spanish could not have done a better job of easing me through the first-day jitters.

The South London school bills itself as a cultural hub where learners can immerse themselves in Spanish film nights, cava and conversation sessions in the on-site bar, a Spanish book club, live flamenco performances and much else.

In the first session of the term, learners get a free glass of wine, which really helps get things going. I love this way of learning. The teachers are warm, encouraging and just strict enough that you make sure to do your homework, while my classmates were lovely. Committing to an hour and a half each week, along with an hour of revision, means progress feels gratifyingly quick.

The downside? Getting there! Having to travel somewhere after work is a slog, especially on the cold winter evenings, but well worth the journey.

The app

Duolingo. Babbel. LinQ. Pimsleur. There are now almost as many language-learning apps as there are languages. Having previously spent too much time with the green owl, I gave Rosetta Stone a go.

The interface is a little simpler and more classic-feeling than Duolingo, but I prefer it. Learners choose a category (shopping, travel, food and drink, etc.) and are then shown stock photos of people doing something, with a description alongside.

‘Como comida’ is written next to a photo of someone eating food, with the words spoken out loud. Rosetta Stone works through repetition, having the learner listen to, read, and speak versions of a sentence several times, adding new words along the way.

For me, it’s a perfect app. None of the bells, whistles and premium add-ons that make language learning feel like you’re playing Angry Birds. Just straightforward, comprehensive, and vocabulary-expanding.

The downside? These apps are great if you’ve already got a bit of the language and want to expand it, or are naturally confident when trying them out. Otherwise, the move from private learning on your phone to real-world experience can be particularly daunting.

The tutor

Sitting on a bench in my local park, the summer morning sun lighting up the duck pond, I flicked open Preply and Lucia appeared. We chatted for 40 minutes, with her leading me through the words for family members and basic questions you might get asked at a party.

The major strength of one-on-one tuition is the extra time and attention you get to root out little issues before they grow into big ones, and to put everything you’ve been learning over the past week into practice. Taking a language from the textbook page into real life is probably the best, quickest way to make it stick, while building a rapport with a tutor can turn lessons from a dutiful slog to a fun cultural exchange.

From my experience, Preply tutors are lovely and affordable.

The downside? I have one major issue with Preply. It’s one that has made me start and then cancel a learning plan on three separate occasions. Preply requires learners to buy blocks of at least four hours, which get renewed on a 28-day cycle. While this encourages commitment and regular learning, the lack of flexibility is frustrating, as is the cycle length. If you start a subscription the day after payday, next month it will fall two days before. For anyone balancing a household budget, this is a big downside.

The verdict

For me, nothing beats in-person classroom learning. The accountability it requires is key to learning a language; the social scene it offers makes learning fun; and the combination of reading, writing, speaking and listening means all bases are covered.

If you’re going to learn a language, why not commit and really throw yourself into it? Battersea Spanish is based in London only, but there are plenty of similar schools across the UK, whichever language you’re learning.

BRITS jetting off to countries including Spain and France should be aware of new entry rules which are set to be rolled out in full in just a matter of days.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is an automated border check for non-EU nationals, comes into full force on September 7.

It involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.

This system first launched back in April, and was linked to lengthy queues and in some cases passengers missed their flights.

As it stands, EU member states are able to pause the checks in “exceptional circumstances”. This includes when queues get too long.

But come September 7, they will no longer be able to temporarily switch off the system at airports.

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It means the rules will be fully enforced with no exceptions, raising fears of even longer queues for British holidaymakers.

Popular holiday destinations including Greece, Spain and France have all used flexibility when needed.

Back in July, countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland wrote to Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner asking to keep the congestion EES opt-out, EuroWeekly News reported.

The countries backed a full roll out, but did not want to face a cliff edge before Christmas.

A decision has not yet been made on the extension, so travellers should prepare to use the EES machines on September 7.

It comes as the new system has caused huge problems for those holidaying abroad this summer.

Some Brits reported waiting for up to six hours in airports and others even missed their flight.

GOING all-inclusive is CHEAPER than bed and breakfast in three popular holiday destinations, according to a new study.

Analysis of the average cost of 3H holiday prices from the beginning of June this year to the end of August found bottomless food and drink deals were actually cheaper in Malta, Egypt and Marrakech in Morocco.

The new data-crunching from holiday comparison site Travel- Supermarket found the average seven-night all-inclusive holiday in Marrakech works out at £348pp — a saving of 26 per cent compared to the £479pp for B&B.

That means holidaymakers opting for the convenience of buffet dining end up paying £131 less overall while getting their meals and drinks thrown in for free.

Malta served up the next best savings, with a week eating and drinking all you want averaging £518pp compared with £565 for just your breakfast.

Egypt came in third, with non-stop catering coming in at £605pp, £9 cheaper than B&B.

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The research also revealed that even if unlimited food and drink is more expensive than B&B, when you look at how much the upgrade costs, it’s little more than a couple of rounds of drinks.

The report found a week on the Thai island of Phuket costs just £15pp extra to unlock unlimited food and drink.

In Bodrum, Turkey, all-inclusive breaks were just £7 more for the week, Sri Lanka only £51, and Turkey’s Antalya area just £20 extra. Each adds about three per cent to the cost of the holiday.

But there are some destinations where it will still cost you a lot more for the convenience of non-stop food and drink.

Sardinia tops the list of those where it will cost you the most, averaging £1,873pp compared to £818 for a week on B&B.

Florida also fared worse for all-inclusive, adding £1,300 to the average £1,104 B&B cost.

Cities are also not the best places for all-inclusive bargains. Athens breaks were, on average, £610 for B&B compared to £1,079 for all your food and drink, a 77 per cent increase.

While in Abu Dhabi, an all- inclusive holiday would set you back £818 more than the average B&B price of £1,148.

TravelSupermarket’s Chris Webber said: “Most people assume all-inclusive is always the pricier option, but in a handful of destinations it simply isn’t.

“At 3H level, where hotels are competing hard to fill rooms, all-inclusive is often the package they push hardest and the price reflects that.

“In Marrakech you’re paying less for a week of everything included than you would for a week of breakfast alone.

“The lesson for holidaymakers is to run both searches before booking rather than ruling all- inclusive out on price.”

Experts have given their take on where the Pound is

Experts have urged Brits to buy holiday cash now as the Pound is expected to weaken over this week’s market chaos with a warning that “it’ll hit wallets immediately”. Bond yields have risen sharply, increasing the cost of government borrowing and renewing concerns about whether Britain’s growing public-debt burden is sustainable.

Although higher yields can sometimes support a currency by offering investors better returns, Sterling has weakened as markets focus instead on inflation, rising debt costs and the Government’s limited financial room ahead of the Budget. The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 3.75% this month, leaving it caught between supporting economic growth and preventing higher energy and import costs from fuelling another wave of inflation.

For households, a weaker Pound could mean more expensive holidays, fuel, food and other imported goods. Rising gilt yields can also push up swap rates, placing further pressure on fixed mortgage pricing just as many borrowers prepare to refinance.

Dave Huggett, founder of Lucid Foreign Exchange, said there was no need to be patient when buying your holiday cash.

He added: “Higher gilt yields and worries about debt sustainability tend to weigh on the Pound. Not always straight away and not always by much, but it’s one more thing dragging on sentiment. When investors get nervous about a country’s finances, they usually want more reward to hold that currency, or they just move their money elsewhere.

“So what do you do? Buy it all now, or hold in the hope of a recovery. The answer to that always lies in the need, not the want. If you’re buying currency to go on holiday, you basically get what you’re given. ‘Getting it right’ on a few thousand Pounds still doesn’t really move the dial. But if the numbers are bigger, and the situation can afford a bit more patience, then zooming out and looking at the situation objectively often pays.”

Iain Thompson, director of Evolve Finance, said everything was affected by a weaker Pound.

He added: “A sliding Pound is a quiet inflation tax on everyday households. When the Bank of England holds interest rates down while government borrowing costs climb, currency markets lose confidence, causing Sterling to steadily weaken against the Dollar and Euro. For the average person, this isn’t just an abstract financial chart – it’ll hit wallets immediately.

“A weaker Pound means everything the UK imports, from petrol to supermarket groceries, becomes instantly more expensive, keeping domestic inflation sticky. Holidaymakers will feel the sting the fastest at the exchange bureau. If you have a trip planned over the coming months, waiting and hoping for a sudden Sterling recovery is a high-risk gamble.

“While predicting currency is never guaranteed, the downward pressure is real. If your holiday budget is tight, locking in half of your travel cash now protects you from worst-case rate drops, ensuring a sudden currency dip won’t derail your family holiday budget before you even pack your bags.”

Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, said the Bank of England was between a rock and a hard place.

He added: “Rising UK gilt yields are a double-edged sword for the Pound. At first, they boost Sterling’s appeal, a fatter carry-trade return over rival currencies. But soon markets ask why yields are climbing: borrowing costs rising as investors fret over debt sustainability, with the UK’s debt pile racing toward £3 trillion.

“That leaves the Bank of England boxed in; raise rates to choke off the inflationary wave from Brent crude above $95 or hold rates down to protect growth. My money’s on Sterling grinding lower, toward $1.30 and €1.13 ahead of the 28 October Budget, as fiscal deficits erode investor confidence.

“For consumers, a weaker Pound means pricier holidays abroad and imported inflation with higher supermarket bills, fuel costs, and goods prices. Elevated yields also lift swap rates, pushing fixed mortgage pricing higher. Anyone with confirmed overseas costs should buy currency in tranches now, hedging against further falls without gambling on timing.”

Prem Raja, head of trading floor at Currencies 4 You, said people could save as much as €230.

He added: “The rise in gilt yields is not automatically good news for Sterling. UK 10-year borrowing costs reached 5.29%, their highest since 2007, but the Pound still fell below $1.35. Investors appear more concerned about inflation, debt costs and the Government’s limited room ahead of the October Budget than attracted by higher yields.

“The Bank of England is expected to hold rates at 3.75% this month. If markets scale back expectations of a later rise, Sterling could lose another 1-2% over the coming months. GBP/EUR is around €1.16-€1.17, but €1.15 is realistic if fiscal concerns grow. GBP/USD could retest $1.33-$1.34, although US developments matter too.

“Travellers would notice that: a 2% fall means roughly €230 less when exchanging £10,000. I would not tell everyone to buy everything now, but anyone with a confirmed Euro or Dollar requirement should consider securing part of it and staggering the balance. That limits the risk of further weakness without committing everything at one rate.”

Anita Wright, chartered financial planner at Ribble Wealth Management, said a weaker Pound arrived in people’s shopping baskets within weeks, not months.

She added: “Everyone will watch the Pound against the Dollar and Euro. That’s the wrong yardstick. Those currencies are run by governments with the same problem so the Pound can look stable at the bureau de change while quietly losing purchasing power where it matters the supermarket, the petrol station, the energy bill.

“The real test of a currency is what it buys at home, and on that measure Sterling has been slipping for some time. What’s actually going on is this. The BoE holds bank rate down while the gilt market demands 5% and more. That gap gets filled by the Bank buying gilts, which is printing money by another name.

“More Pounds chasing the same goods. Diesel is already tightening and Britain imports most of its energy and much of its food, so a weaker Pound arrives in your shopping basket within weeks, not months. On holiday money swapping Pounds for Euros just moves you from one leaking boat to another.”

Samuel Mather-Holgate, managing director and IFA at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial, said there was no point waiting for the Pound to get stronger.

He added: “Sterling is not staring at an instant cliff edge, but the warning lights are flashing. With 10-year gilt yields around levels last seen in 2008 and the Pound slipping below $1.35, markets are telling Britain the free lunch is over. Higher borrowing costs squeeze the Treasury, unsettle mortgage markets and make imported goods, fuel and holidays more expensive if the Pound weakens further.

“For families, this is felt at the airport exchange desk, in supermarket prices and in the next remortgage quote. I would not tell people to gamble on currencies, but anyone with a known Euro or Dollar cost in the next few months may prefer certainty over trying to outguess a very twitchy market. Waiting for a stronger Pound is starting to look like a heroic assumption.”

Nouran Moustafa, practice principal and IFA at Roxton Wealth, said the weak Pound could be seen in airports.

She added: “The Pound is being squeezed from both sides. UK borrowing costs are rising, but markets still expect the Bank of England to hold Bank Rate at 3.75% this month. Sterling has already slipped to around $1.35 and €1.16. For households, this becomes painfully real at the airport.

“A weaker Pound means your hotel, meals and spending money abroad quietly become more expensive without the price tag changing. But I would not tell somebody to panic-buy thousands of Euros today based on a currency forecast. Nobody can reliably call Sterling over the next few weeks.

“If you know you need €2,000 or $3,000 for a trip, buying it in stages is far more sensible than gambling your entire holiday budget on one exchange-rate prediction. The bigger warning is this: when markets lose confidence in government finances, ordinary people eventually feel it. The bond market may look boring. Its consequences absolutely are not.”

Escape to Jamaica for 7 nights with a stay at the stunning 5* Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios.

12:00, 03 Sep 2026Updated 13:11, 03 Sep 2026

We’re giving Premium subscribers a chance to enjoy a luxury five-star holiday for two in Jamaica!

The lucky winner can look forward to relaxing at the five-star Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in a standard room on an All-Inclusive basis, surrounded by tropical gardens, beautiful pools and that unmistakable laid-back Jamaican atmosphere. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the resort’s restaurants and bars, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in hand.

The prize will also include round-trip flights from London (via Miami) as well as resort transfers to and from the airport.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the holiday of a lifetime! To enter, simply fill out your details using the form below.

This competition is open until 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Escape to Jamaica for 7 nights with a stay at the stunning 5* Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios.

08:00, 03 Sep 2026

We’re giving Premium subscribers a chance to enjoy a luxury five-star holiday for two in Jamaica!

The lucky winner can look forward to relaxing at the five-star Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in a standard room on an All-Inclusive basis, surrounded by tropical gardens, beautiful pools and that unmistakable laid-back Jamaican atmosphere. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the resort’s restaurants and bars, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in hand.

The prize will also include round-trip flights from London (via Miami) as well as resort transfers to and from the airport.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the holiday of a lifetime! To enter, simply fill out your details using the form below. This competition is open until 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

If you are unable to view the form below, please click here.

Terms and Conditions:

This competition closes at 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026. One winner will be selected at random from all submissions after the closing date and will be contacted by email within 7 days to arrange their prize. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. Failure to respond at this time will result in forfeiture of the prize/pick of another winner. The prize is non-transferable. The prize is a 7-night all-inclusive holiday for two to Jamaica. Flights will be from a London airport. This competition is only open to Premium/Plus/Gold Star Subscribers only. The winners’ details will be used to administer the competition and will be shared with the company’s prize fulfilment partner, Prizeshark to fulfil the prize. Prizeshark will contact the winner to further liaise on the fulfilment of the prize (please make sure all entry details provided are correct). The winners’ details (name and location) will also be published. Upon entering this competition, there is an option to opt in to receive various newsletters sent via email. If you do opt in, you will receive these newsletters in accordance with their sending schedule, for those who do not opt in to receive any email newsletters, your data will be solely used for the administration of this competition. By entering this competition, you are permitting Reach plc to use your personal data to contact you to arrange prize fulfilment only. Entry to the competition is restricted to one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Automated entries, bulk entries or third-party entries will be disqualified. This competition is open to UK residents only. This competition is open to people over the age of 18, with the exception of employees of the promoter, their families, agents and anyone else connected with this promotion. This competition is syndicated across the following Premium Apps: Mirror+, Daily Express, Gold Star, Daily Record, MEN, Liverpool Echo, Wales Online, Chronicle Live, Birmingham Live, Belfast Live, Yorkshire Live, Bristol Live, Leicestershire Live, the Sentinel and Nottingham Post. By entering a competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entry implies acceptance of these rules. These terms and conditions shall be governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes arising under these terms and conditions.

Hubert Bartkowiak, from Gniezno in Poland, was told he had to pay £8,640 for three rooms for three nights at the Luxor View Hotel in Egypt, or his reservation would be cancelled

Holidaymakers are being told to pay 12 times more for hotel rooms after booking – or face a cancelled reservation. Forward-thinking Hubert Bartkowiak had been looking forward to a trip to Luxor, Egypt, with friends.

The Pole had booked three rooms for four people at the Luxor View Hotel over a year before the holiday, through Booking.com, forking out $1,040 (£768) for three nights, working out at £64 per person, per night. Hubert, from Gniezno, was shocked to receive a message from the hotel demanding 12 times as much, otherwise the booking would be cancelled.

“Please note that prices have increased; for your booking during this period, the room will be $1,300 (£960) a night,” the message read. With each of the three rooms costing £960 a night, he faced a bill of £8,640. When he refused to pay, the hotel worker implied the reservation would be cancelled and the hotel closed “for renovations” if Hubert turned up.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

“The hotel will be closed for renovations. You’re free to leave. You won’t have any rooms,” a message seen by the Mirror reads. After The Mirror contacted Booking.com on Hubert’s behalf, the hotel decided to honour his booking at the original rate.

However, there are many more people heading to Spain, Tunisia, Egypt and other countries in the path of next August’s eclipse who have already had their bookings cancelled as prices spike. “Raising prices I can understand as demand is high, but changing the price after making a reservation or cancelling it for a better offer is simply unfair,” Hubert said.

Another spurned holidaymaker is Kara Wiley. She booked a hotel in Luxor, paying $681 (£504) for three nights, only to receive a message from the owner demanding $3,900 (£2,886). “This is not affordable for me, and my flights are already booked,” she wrote in a post on a Facebook group.

Facebook groups and Reddit threads are full of such horror stories, with many eclipse hunters now worried that they’ll arrive ahead of the August 2 to discover they’ve nowhere to stay.

Such a scenario befell David Tunnicliffe, who booked a villa in Escalona del Prado, Spain, two years before the eclipse this August. “It was just cancelled by the host one day before we were due to arrive for a week. Sucks to be me, I guess!” David said. David was blanked by the accommodation provider, and his emails bounced. Luckily, David managed to book back-up accommodation at the last minute. It cost twice as much, but the booking platform he used agreed to pay the extra expense.

On Monday, August 2 next year, the moon will block the sun starting in the Atlantic Ocean, crossing southern Spain and North Africa, and moving through the Middle East and the Horn of Africa before ending in the Indian Ocean. The event has been dubbed “the eclipse of the century” due to the length of totality. Total darkness will descend for 6 minutes and 23 seconds in some areas, including Luxor. That is roughly three times the duration of this year’s eclipse.

Following the eclipse this August and the buzz that’s generated, accommodation prices for next year have rocketed. In El Palmar, a villa for six people located around 600 metres from the beach will cost €33,129 (£28,379) for one night. Split between the six potential guests, that would be around €5,522 (£4,730) per person.

According to Citizens Advice, customers should check the terms and conditions for the holiday or booking they’ve made to see if they allow the company to increase the price. Look for something like ‘price variation’ – this means the price can change. They can’t increase it if the terms and conditions don’t allow it. Even if the terms and conditions allow price increases, the company can only increase the price because of:

• fuel price rises which mean transport costs have gone up
• changes to taxes or fees by third parties – like tourist taxes
• exchange rates which affect the price of the holiday

The company has to let you know in writing about their plans to increase the price. They also have to give you a reasonable time to tell them if you accept it or want to cancel. If they’re offering another package instead, they must tell you how much it costs.

The company must tell you about the price rise at least 20 days before the package starts and explain why they put the price up. You have the right to cancel the holiday without paying a fee if the increase is more than 8% – you’ll get back any money you’ve already paid.

IF you fancy a UK staycation or day out but want to avoid the crowds, then autumn is the best time to do it.

Here are seven of our favourite spots for a seasonal break from quiet seaside towns to the remote Scottish highlands and world-famous cities.

Norfolk

“There’s nothing better than visiting north-west Norfolk in the autumn. Hailing from Norfolk I might be a bit biased here, but I know the area inside and out.

“Taking a walk through Sandringham is my favourite thing to do at this time of year. Ancient trees shelter woodland paths lined with animal sculptures and dotted with tiny pine cones.

“Squirrels rush up tree trunks, children make friends at the giant wooden adventure playground, and dog walkers smile and nod to one another on forest walks.

“Just down the road from here you’ll find Snettisham Park, where you can head out on a deer safari and hand-feed stags on a 329 acre Norfolk farm.

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“A short walk from Snettisham Park, past its magnificent 14th-century church, will lead you to the Rose and Crown.

“This is a traditional village pub with a low-ceiling bar that used to house those who built the church in the 1300’s. Inside now you’ll find roaring fires, pints of local ale, fantastic roast dinners and the friendliest staff around.

“Heacham makes for the perfect base for your north-west Norfolk visit. It’s around 10 minutes’ drive from each of these spots, while staying tucked out of the way with its own beach that is a lot more peaceful than its busy neighbour Hunstanton.

“You can book a stay at Parkdean’s Heacham Beach Holiday Park from £99 for four nights this autumn.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Scottish Highlands

“The leaves may be turning on the trees but the Cairngorms was a vision of blue skies and sparkling lakes on my visit to the jewel of the Scottish Highlands in September.

“We made the most of exploring the lochs, forests, mountains and rivers with a quad bike adventure through the Alvie Estate in Aviemore with Cairngorms Quad Treks.

“While it may be snow-covered in winter, our September break saw endless clear blue skies as we weaved through dense forest paths, over open moorland and even through rushing streams.

“Also worth a wander in the sunshine are the paths around Loch An Eilein in Rothiemurchus Forest.

“Fringed by mountains and forest, it features a 14th century castle ruin on an island in its centre.

“Whisky lovers can take to the Malt Whisky Trail to discover the distilleries of the Cairngorms and Speyside region with guided tours and tastings on offer.

“Our base for our autumn break was the cosy Bynack wooden lodge at Pine Bank Chalets in the heart of Aviemore.

“The self-catering cabin featured two bedrooms, a compact kitchen, lounge-diner with a wood-fired stove and a lovely terrace to just sit and take in those gorgeous views – stay from £140per night.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Cambridge

“Cambridge is a popular city that’s well-known for its beautiful and prestigious university, as well as for punting along the river.

“Summer might spring to mind as the best time to visit but generally it’s so busy with tourists that it can be hard to walk on the pavement or even get into the shops.

“As a work around, I much prefer autumn as a time to visit – just wrap up warm.

“When it comes to punting along the River Cam, there are always boats available later in the year – whether or not you want to give it a go yourself or head on a guided tour.

“Speaking of, if you fancy a tour of the colleges, or the whole city itself – these run throughout the year.

“Otherwise, there are lots of pubs, museums, markets, shopping and the famous Fitzbillies bakery which is home to the sticky Chelsea bun. But one of my favourite seasonal activities is walking the route from Cambridge to the pretty village of Grantchester.

“It’s a great sight-seeing spot for any fan of the Grantchester TV series that was actually filmed there. My one essential is a pit stop at the Orchard Tea Garden for a homemade scone, which you get with a pot of jam and clotted cream for £5.40.

“There’s also a selection of sandwiches, toasties, seasonal hot food like the Orchard Benedict and rarebit, as well as other homemade treats like coffee and pistachio cake.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Cornwall

“The South West on a whole tends to be swamped with tourists in the summer months, although Padstow surely takes the biscuit for the most crowded destination in Cornwall.

“It’s become so popular that I now refuse to visit during the school holidays – who wants to be sandwiched like sardines in a shop or queue hours for a pasty?

“In autumn, however, the calm streets paint a wildly different picture.

Harbour life is slower, cafe owners are less frazzled and you can potter past the pastel-toned houses at leisure, without the sense of being herded like cattle.

“Padstow’s charm really shines through at this time of year, too.

The seas look even more spectacular under a somewhat moody sky, while the blustery winds will ensure you have the coastal paths to yourself.

“I could spend hours plonked on a bench with a coffee taking in the views of weathered boats bobbing on the water while sea gulls squark overhead.

“Check out Cherry Trees Coffee House for a proper home-cooked breakfast, or Prawn on the Lawn for the freshest seafood dishes – make sure to book in advance, though, the restaurant is tiny.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow

“For me, what makes the perfect autumn are trees bursting with colour, crunchy leaves underfoot and those sunny yet chilly days.

“This is when Glasgow comes into its element, making it the perfect post-summer weekend break.

“Too cold for me to brave in winter, there is no better time to wander the city’s cobbled streets and Victorian architecture.

“I had no idea until my visit that the city had even coined its own Scottish version of Art Nouveau, aptly called Glasgow Style (with the best example of this being the Glasgow School of Art).

“Wander around the University of Glasgow’s arched cloisters for free, along with the huge gardens coated in brown leaves in September and October. 

“For that sugar hit, don’t miss out on a doughnut from Tantrum, a Glaswegian owned franchise.

“I’m still thinking of their blueberry and white chocolate one, although their classic Birthday Cake was tempting. 

“And with the new bouquet Arthouse Hotel opening there (with rooms from £99), I’m already planning my return.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Whitby

“Spooky Dracula connections, historic abbey ruins, a dramatic coastline and the UK’s best fish and chips? Whitby is truly perfect for an autumn staycation.

“Stroll along the Yorkshire seaside town’s picture-perfect harbour to find traditional amusements, a fascinating Captain Cook museum, and to take in dramatic views of the hilltop Whitby Abbey from across the water.

“For more spooky vibes, walk the famous Whitby 199 steps – the very same which a sinister black dog dashes up to announce Dracula’s arrival in Whitby in the classic novel.

“In fact, Bram Stoker was first inspired to write Dracula when he visited Whitby in 1890, as he was immediately struck by the dramatic Gothic ruins that loom over the pretty coastal town.

“The steps lead you to the 12th century St Mary’s Church, which is well worth a visit for its panoramic views over the bay – particularly at sunset.

“Follow the Cleveland Way coastal path from here and you’ll reach Robin Hood’s Bay – a former smuggler’s village where red-roofed cottages tumble down a steep cliff straight to the sea.

“Stop for lunch by Trenchers, which won Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026 – which is basically the Oscar‘s for chippies!

“Here you can grab a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each. Enjoy them out on the harbour for the perfect way to end your day.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

YOU don’t need to go abroad to lock in a hassle-free, all-inclusive holiday.

A growing number of UK holiday parks and seaside resorts are introducing all inclusive options, packaging a place to stay, meals, drinks, and entertainment into one price.

And let’s be honest, holidays are a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to ask, “Whose round is this?” or scan the menu for the cheapest option at dinner.

From five-star adults-only retreats with four meals a day, to action-packed family parks with unlimited Costa Coffee and amazing activities, here’s our pick of the top UK resorts where you can go all inclusive – from only £25pp a day.

Butlin’s

Family breaks to Butlin’s really do pack a lot in – West End-style entertainment, loads of activities, plus a free fairground and waterpark on-site to make use of.

In the last year, Butlin’s has added the option to go all inclusive to their stays too.

Butlin’s all inclusive bundles include accommodation, breakfast, dinner, drinks, as well as the usual access to the fairground, activities and shows.

It’s worth it for the drinks package alone, which includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and unlimited Costa Coffee.

The all inclusive offer is only available during Showtime Term-Time Midweek breaks, so they are ideal for families with little ones or older kids who are outside of school age.

Butlin’s offer all-inclusive breaks for £28pp per night, based on two adults and two children on a Showtime Term-time four night break.

However, you can also bolt on the all-inclusive drinks package and the all-inclusive food package to regular family breaks across school holidays.

Potters Resort

Fancy a truly all-inclusive holiday without having to leave the country?

Potters have five-star resorts in both the Norfolk and Essex countryside, directly on the east coast.

Accommodation at these resorts ranges from spacious bungalows to swanky hotel suites, all of which come with complimentary toiletries and towels.

Spend your days getting stuck into activities like archery, air rifles, pickleball and bingo and your evenings watching all-singing, all-dancing shows with talent who have appeared on the West End.

You can tuck into four meals a day here, as late night dishes are included, where you can help yourself to snacks like bacon rolls or a hot cooked dinner late into the evening.

As for drinks, you can enjoy all the branded spirits like Bacardi, Malibu and Jameson’s, plus fun cocktails, smoothies and milkshakes.

The resorts remain adults-only for most of the year, perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet away on a couples’ retreat.

However the Norfolk resort opens up to families during selected school holiday periods.

The five-star, all inclusive breaks start from £175pp per night for a four night break. Make sure to check your specific dates on their website.

Parkdean Cherry Tree

Tucked between the Norfolk Broads and the sandy shores of Gorleston Beach, Parkdean Resorts Cherry Tree is a pretty and quiet coastal park.

Go swimming whatever the weather thanks to both indoor and outdoor heated pools, and if you bring little ones with you, there’s a toddler splash zone, too.

As for activities, there’s pirate-themed crazy golf, an adventure playground, a multi-sports court, and a buzzing amusement arcade.

You can go all inclusive here from £25 per day, which includes three meals a day served in the park’s main restaurant, plus unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee.

You can go all inclusive at Parkdean resorts for four-night breaks with Monday arrivals during school term time – so if you’re visiting as a couple or a group of friends, it can be the ideal time to visit. Check the park’s website for specific dates.

Lower Hyde

You really get your money’s worth with a stay at Lower Hyde holiday park.

Just minutes from the pretty seaside town of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, this holiday park has plenty of free attractions nearby like Shanklin Beach and the beautiful Quarr Abbey.

And if you book your stay in a luxurious glamping safari tent, you’ll wake up to a view that feels more like being abroad than in the UK.

On-site you can battle it out on the sports courts, go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, and settle down to Parkdean‘s signature entertainment.

But the best part is that a stay here essentially gives you access to two holiday parks for the price of one, as you also get free access to all the facilities at the neighbouring Landguard holiday park.

Nearby Landguard has a stunning woodland setting that is ideal for outdoors-y types, with plenty of walking trails plus an outdoor adventure playground for any little ones.

Going all inclusive here starts from £25 per day – check their website for a range of dates.

Carmarthen Bay

Overlooking the Gwendraeth Estuary in South Wales, Carmarthen Bay is a very picturesque holiday park.

Nearby you can explore the huge, 520-acre Pembrey Country Park, or head out on a wildlife safari at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre.

Plus Carmarthenshire is home to one of the best-preserved Normal fortresses in Wales, Kidwelly Castle, which is just five minutes away. You might even recognise it from Monty Python.

The park itself has plenty to do, too. Here you can challenge the crew to crazy golf, plus toddlers can burn off energy in the soft-play arena.

End your evenings with a meal at The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant before catching live stage shows late into the night.

You can go all inclusive at Carmarthen Bay from £25 per day.

Whitley Bay

Perched on the cliffs with views of St Mary’s Lighthouse, Parkdean Whitley Bay trades chaotic holiday park energy for crisp coastal air and rugged North East landscapes.

Days here revolve around morning swims in the heated indoor pool, nature trail walks, and letting the kids loose on the outdoor play areas and sports court.

The beach and famous white dome of Spanish City sit just down the road, making it easy to enjoy an evening of coastal cocktails or fish and chips with sea views.

Make sure to be back in time for bingo at the Showbar, where there’s big cash prizes to be won.

Book an all inclusive break at Whitley Bay from £25 per day.

Newquay Holiday Park

Gone are the days of sitting around a packed swimming pool on holiday – Parkdean Newquay has three to pick from, plus a 200ft waterslide for good measure.

Set in Britain’s surf capital, this park provides perfect beach holiday energy.

You’ve got seven famous beaches on your doorstep, including Fistral Beach, as well as cool Cornish towns like Padstow and Rock nearby, too.

If you like an active holiday, you’ve got high-ropes courses, a climbing wall and kayaking available here.

There’s an entire Tots program if you’re bringing any along, which includes messy play and miniature bike sessions.

Equally, the park offers ‘Grown up getaways’ with 60’s tribute acts, adult-only swim sessions, karaoke parties and events like Country night and the chilled out Brunch Club.

Go all-inclusive at Parkdean Newquay from £25 per day.

KIMBERLEY Walsh gave a fans a look at her sunny family holiday – where she rocked several designer swimsuits.

The former Girls Aloud star soaked up the sun at a lush resort in Cadiz, Spain with her three sons and hubby Justin Scott.

They looked tanned and relaxed on their holiday where the lads tried their hand at golf, they ate lots of yummy food and Kimberley looked sensational.

One of her eye-catching bikinis included an electric blue triangle set which showed off her incredible figure.

Kimberley sipped on a frozen margarita while wearing the suit and relaxing on a sunlounger.

The singer shared a photo dump from her holiday which showed the happy family having a great time.

read more kimberley walsh

OOH LA LA!

Liz Hurley and Kimberley Walsh lead the glam on the Attitude Awards red carpet

‘TIMES HAVE CHANGED’

Kimberley Walsh opens up about relationship with Girls Aloud pals

“Sotogrande [resort] you were the perfect way to round off the summer! The resort is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and we had the most gorgeous few days!” she captioned the post.

Last year, Kimberley had a mini-reunion with some of her Girls Aloud bandmates and paid a touching tribute to Sarah Harding who died from cancer in 2021.

She caught with Nicola Roberts and Cheryl to celebrate the opening night of musical Hadestown UK in London’s Lyric Theatre – where Nicola was one of the stars.

The evening also marked Cheryl’s return to the spotlight and it was more recently announced that she would become a judge on The Voice UK.

The former X Factor judge has not been on prime-time TV for six years, with filming for the new series of the ITV show beginning on September 11 in Manchester.

It would be her first prime-time TV role since she was a dance captain on BBC1 show The Greatest Dancer in 2020.

It would also be the first time Cheryl has been in the limelight since her ex, One Direction singer Liam Payne, died in October 2024 aged 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

The pair shared nine-year-old son, Bear.

This week we want to know all about your favourite (non-ski) holidays in Europe’s mountains. It could include hiking, via ferrata or cycling routes, activity or spa breaks, regional food, wonderful vistas and places to stay, such as a mountain refuge or cabin.

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

Keep your tip to about 100 words

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

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

The competition closes on Monday 7 September at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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