Hols from £9.50

IF you’re off to the Lincolnshire coast with the kids, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ll have a whole host of family-friendly attractions at your fingertips.

Of course, if the weather plays ball then there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach, with buckets and spades to hand.

When you book a £9.50 Holiday, you also have the added bonus of fun family events and activities included on-site, from indoor pools to evening entertainment. 

But if you do fancy venturing out, there’s tons for your whole brood to do.

From bottle-feeding calves at a kid-friendly farm to discovering the history of the Magna Carta, Lincolnshire is home to a wide range of attractions the whole family will enjoy.

We asked Sun readers and local experts for their favourite family attractions in Lincolnshire, and have suggested some of our own and highly-rated options.

Here’s your handy guide to follow… 

For animal lovers

Budding naturalists will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.

“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”

Another option for wildlife lovers is Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, suggested by Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park.

Sarah said: “It isn’t as well known as some other family attractions like Fantasy Island.

“They have interesting animals like Bengal tigers and white lions. You can make it a whole day out and it’s great for the whole family.”

The park’s family-friendly touches include a children’s play area and kids will love the “snax shack” where you can buy treats for the parrots and meerkats (£2) and feed them.

Park life

Full immersion in nature doesn’t have to cost a penny – particularly if you head to Hubbard’s Hills, which is free to visit.

Sarah Al-Aidi said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks.”

Families can while away the day splashing in rivers or spending time in the cafe, which has a play area for kids.

There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.

Tip: although the park is free to visit, all-day parking costs £1. 

Ride the coasters

No trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Fantasy Island in Skegness.

The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to dodgems, water flumes and carousels.

There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.

Don’t miss the market – Europe’s largest seven-day market with over 320 stalls selling everything from discounted pushchairs to soft toys.

Tip: for the best value, buy a ride-all-day wristband (from £14.50), which includes access to adventure golf, or use an “iCard” to pay per ride. 

Fun on the farm

Less than an hour’s drive from the coast, Rand Farm Park is ideal for a day out with the family.

Kids will love meeting the animals – which range from Jersey cows, donkeys and horses to a pair of Swiss rams named “Ed Shearan” and “Justin Biebaaa”.

Animal activities include bottle-feeding the calves, watching a milking demonstration, tractor rides and handling small animals like rabbits.

There are indoor and outdoor play areas, including a climbing wall and a soft play with an under-fours sensory area.

Family tickets cost £28 (two adults and two children). The park even offers school holiday childcare for kids aged between four and 12, including meals (half-day sessions cost £31, full day from £41). 

For mini history buffs

For older kids with a thirst for history, the highly-rated Lincoln Castle is a great option.

Youngsters will love the summer jousting events and a “Medieval Wall Walk” where you can explore towers and dungeons steeped in history.

Look out for the graffiti scratched into the walls by desperate prisoners, or imagine you’re Henry VIII as you roam the walls – he visited the castle with Catherine Howard in 1541.

At Christmas, the wall is illuminated with lights, with fairground rides and food stalls to enjoy.

There’s also the historic Magna Carta to see in real life – the castle contains one of only four surviving original copies of this famous document.

Tip: the Magna Carta is taken for maintenance every year – so it’s a good idea to call to check before your visit to avoid disappointment.

DEVON has no short supply of beautiful beaches – whether you’re after gold sands, surfing waves or craggy caves to explore.

The two coasts – north and south – vary slightly in what they offer, though you’re sure to find something to keep everyone happy on your £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world.

North Devon is known for its dramatic scenery and surfing scene, with longer sandy beaches that are more open to the elements than on the south coast.

Here, expect a jagged coastline and windier conditions on the whole.

Meanwhile, South Devon generally has smaller, more sheltered beaches and coves to explore.

Conditions here are typically tamer, and many of its beaches are well-equipped with facilities – especially handy if you’ve got kids in tow. 

We’ve spoken to local experts and Sun readers who have holidayed in Devon to discover the best beaches, whether you’re after something family-friendly or a beach with a pub. 

Here’s what they said…  

Best for surfing 

If you’re keen to surf, North Devon with its exposure to the Atlantic is the place to go.

Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands are among the best places to surf, with great waves all year round and plenty of surf schools and options for equipment hire.

Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park near Croyde, said: “Croyde is one of the best beaches in the country, not just in the South West.

“It’s a huge surfer’s paradise and we have a park ranger team keeping the beach clean and tidy.”

The beach is also a fantastic option for accessible surf sessions with The Wave Project who run “Surf Therapy” sessions for youngsters. 

Meanwhile, on the south coast, Bantham has fairly reliable conditions (tip: be mindful of the rips that can take inexperienced surfers by surprise).

Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay recommends trying a surf lesson with a company like Discovery Surf School in Bigbury-on-Sea (beginner lessons from £42pp, surfboard hire from £15).

Best beach to escape the crowds

If you’re based in South Devon, you can escape the business of the bigger beaches like Challaborough and Bigbury if you’re prepared to walk.

Ayrmer Cove is around a 20-minute walk from the car park – and has no facilities – but when you arrive, you’re likely to have this picturesque sandy cove with rock pools to yourself.

Tip: this one’s not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.

The next beach along, Wyscombe Beach, is even more remote, around an hour’s walk from the nearest car park (at Ringmore).

Gem Krupa says: “Westcombe is one of my favourites because it has a secret beach that most people don’t realise exists.

“You walk through a cave from Wyscombe at low tide, or at high tide you can paddleboard there.

“But you have to catch it when the tide is right, so check the tides before you go so you don’t get cut off.”

In North Devon, Tessa Lomas suggests Barricane Beach.

She says: “It’s a lot smaller and more hidden than Woolacombe so feels much quieter. It’s good for swimming and there’s a little cafe there, too.”

Best beach with a pub

Just across from Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham, Burgh Island Hotel plays host to celebs like Nicholas Cage and Paloma Faith – but you don’t have to be an A-lister to visit the island.

Next door, the 700-year-old Pilchard Inn is a former fisherman’s pub, with a cosy atmosphere and great value food.

Pop over for lunch – Kids can tuck into fish and chips (£7) or a side of fries (£4.50) while you crack on with cider battered haddock (£9.50) and a locally-brewed craft beer.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay, said: “You’re looking at a minimum of £650 a night to stay at Burgh Island Hotel.

“But if you time it right and you go there with the tide out, you don’t have to catch the sea tractor, which costs you £2 per person. You can walk over there for free and have a look.”

Best for families

On the south coast, Challaborough and Bigbury are great family-friendly options, as you can roll a pram straight onto the beach and there are facilities nearby, including cafes and toilets.

Sun reader Richard Tilley, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, recommends Paignton Sands for families, saying: “There’s nice soft sand for building sandcastles and the sea doesn’t go deep straight away, which is good for kids.

“You can hire pedalos and you’re also close to family-friendly pubs on the seafront, plus arcades and a pirate-themed pitch and putt (Pirates Bay Adventure Golf).” 

On the north coast, families are also well catered for. For instance, Westward Ho! Has rock pools to explore and showers to rinse sandy feet, while Croyde and Instow have car parks and slipways that are ideal for prams.

Sun reader Dawn Brannigan says Saunton Sands is a good bet for families: “Saunton Sands is brilliant for collecting driftwood – I like to collect it and make driftwood models. It also has its own restaurant and shop, plus showers and toilets.”

Best for dogs

Dog walkers staying near the North Devon coast can take their pick of coastal walks.

Braunton Burrows, a vast area of sand dunes and rural farmland, are great to explore with dogs, who are allowed off the lead.

Dawn Brannigan says: “You can park at Braunton Burrows then walk through the dunes and countryside until you reach the coast at the far end of Saunton Sands. It’s a lovely walk.” 

On the south coast, Bigbury-on-Sea is dog-friendly all year round, but while most people head west towards Bantham, Gem Krupa suggests heading in the other direction.

She said: “If you turn right out of our park at Challaborough, you’ve got three beaches that are pet-friendly and all within walking distance – Ayrmer Cove, Mothecombe and Wyscombe.” 

Best for wild swimming 

Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide South West, recommends a dip in one of the tidal pools on the North Devon coastline.

He said: “In the Victorian era wild swimming was very popular for its health benefits, especially along the North Devon coast.

“Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe is only accessible via a series of hand-carved Victorian tunnels.

“The different pools were once demarcated for men and women, to keep them separate.

“Swim in the crystal-clear waters of a secluded tidal pool, sheltered from the open sea by natural rock formations. When the tide is low, explore the rock pools teeming with marine life.”

WITH its vast skies, golden sand and rippling dunes, the Lincolnshire coastline is brimming with brilliant beaches.

Of course, you’ve got traditional seaside towns with piers, promenades and bucket-and-spade fun, such as Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes.

These are also often the best-rated options thanks to their family-friendly touches and scenic beauty – but there’s plenty more to explore. 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, do some birdwatching or walk your dog, there’s a beach with your name on it.

You’ll also find beachside pubs, nature reserves and quirky art installations along Lincolnshire’s more than 50-mile stretch of coast.

So the hardest question on your next £9.50 Holiday will be: which beach should you visit first? 

We’ve spoken to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday near the Lincolnshire coastline to get their recommendations for the best beaches to visit.

We’ve also selected some of the county’s top-rated options and suggested our own pick of where not to miss.

So grab your buckets and spades, binoculars or swimsuit and head to one of these… 

Best for families

With its traditional English seaside feel, Mablethorpe Beach is a beautiful, Blue Flag award-winning beach.

Its soft golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see, offering endless sandcastle-building potential.

You’ve also got donkey rides on the sand, plus a fairground nearby and beachfront cafes like the highly-rated Snack Shack selling everything from fish and chips to ice cream.

There’s even a little land train that takes you up and down the coast for £2.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, says Mablethorpe is an “unbelievable” beach, especially on a sunny day, adding that it is “nice and safe” for families.

She also says not to miss the Time and Tide Bell – a sculpture on the sand with bells that are rung by the waves at high tide. “It’s great if you’re into quirky things,” she added.

Best for wave watching – or wave riding 

Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, says: “The Lincolnshire coastline is one of the UK’s most underrated beach destinations.

“Skegness used to have a reputation for being a tacky resort town, but these days it has clean, Blue Flag beaches and you can always find a quieter spot if you want.

“My personal favourite beach is Huttoft (south of Mablethorpe). It’s quieter than Skegness and Mablethorpe and is great for surfing and swimming.

“It also has a large car terrace for wave watching whatever the weather.”

There have been an increasing number of wave riders in Lincolnshire since the seventies, with Sutton on Sea, Sandilands and Huttoft, being popular surf spots, especially in winter. 

Best hidden beaches

Daniel Start is the author of Hidden Beaches Britain by Wild Things Publishing (£16.99), which features over 500 hidden coastal locations.

He recommends Anderby Creek, around ten miles north of Skegness, describing it as “a perfect hidden beach with endless golden sands backed with dunes and with very few people.”

While there, you can even check out Britain’s first official cloud-spotting station, complete with parabolic mirrors, roof-top loungers and a “cloud bar” menu. 

Best for nature lovers

Nature lovers can take their pick of beaches packed with wildlife and natural attractions in Lincolnshire.

A few miles south of Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a nature reserve right on the seafront – with more wildlife than human visitors.

Daniel Start says: “There are dunes and wildflower meadows galore at the exotically-named Gibraltar Point.

“Flocks of migrating birds also gather here – up to 10,000 dunlins at a time may break from their migration, descending from the clouds.

“The sea here is shallow but when you run out through the breakers – the huge expanse of the Wash to the south, dunes and meadows behind – you’re reminded of the immensity of nature and the vast tracts of open space still left in Britain.”

Travel north for around 40 minutes up the coast, and you’ll enter the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, a five-mile stretch of coastline from Sandilands to Chapel St Leonards.

Sandilands is a good place to start, with coastal birds to spot, weekly walks to join and a National Trust cafe to refuel in. 

Best beach with a pub

You can’t get much closer to the beach than the Admiral Benbow, which is a quirky pub right on the sand at Chapel St Leonards.

Named after the inn in the book Treasure Island, it has a fun, nautical pirate theme that extends to the outdoor seating area – located inside a wooden boat on the beach.

Sun reader John Ellis, 72, from Sheffield, has visited, and said: “It has a fun atmosphere”.

Meanwhile, head north up the coast to Sutton on Sea, where the highly-rated Beach Bar has great sea views and serves good value food, like seafood and beef wellington. 

Best for dogs

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park, said: “There’s a dog-friendly stretch of beach with free council parking that not many people know about.

“It’s at the end of Skegness – about a good five-mile stretch all the way past Ingoldmells and up to Chapel St Leonards, which is all dog-friendly all year long.

“The rest of the beaches are all restricted for dogs in the summer.”

Joanne Green, General Manager at Sunnydale Holiday Park also has a lesser-known dog-walking route to suggest.

She said: “As you come out of our park, turn left and you’re on the salt marshes, which are brilliant for walking dogs.

“People don’t tend to go there because they get to the top of the ramp and they see just salt marshes.

“But if they walk for ten minutes towards the water, there’s a stunning beach with white sand called Saltfleet.

“There are usually not many people there and you can walk all the way to Mablethorpe along the beach from here if you want.”

IF you’re off on a £9.50 Holiday with the family to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep your whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

West Wittering, Brighton Beach and Camber Sands are among the top-rated beaches for families.

But if the weather doesn’t play ball, or if you’ve already had your fill of sandcastle building, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities near your holiday park by the coast.

Maybe the arcades and fun fair rides of Brighton Palace Pier are calling you, or perhaps it’s the animals and all-ages play areas at the top-rated Drusillas Park. 

We’ve chatted to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in Sussex to get their top tips on the family attractions that are worth visiting. 

From thrilling water parks to pirate festivals, here’s what they recommend… 

Make a splash

If you have older kids in tow, why not let them burn off steam with something that will really get their adrenaline pumping?

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at ease – lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Chichester Watersports has an aqua park, complete with inflatable slides and jumps in the water. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20. 

Get on your bike

For something that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

For a quick trip, you can hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Meet pirates in Hastings 

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends visiting Hastings during the annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

“It’s very popular, and you can pop into one of the nice pubs along the front – the best are located in the Old Town like The Crown and Ye Old Pumphouse.

“Some of the pirate events happen in these pubs like live music and themed roast dinners.”

Hastings Pirate Weekend is packed with family-friendly activities, like a treasure hunt, free kids’ tattoos and craft workshops.

To learn more about pirates, head to The Shipwreck Museum. It’s free to enter and kids will love touching artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel.

Spark their curiosity

Museums don’t have to be boring – especially if they have children’s activities on tap. Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum for families.

Built on top of the remains of a Roman bathhouse in Chichester, it’s free to enter (though donations are welcome) and has oodles to make learning fun, such as hands-on workshops about everything from the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Kids can try on costumes, handle real artefacts and even join in organised sleepovers at the museums, complete with torchlit treasure hunts and bedtime stories.

Sue said: “There are also brilliant children’s activities at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and Pallant House Gallery.”

Ride the railways

There’s nothing like a train ride to keep the kids entertained.

And there’s a whole host of options near your £9.50 Holiday in Sussex.

Sue Mercer recommends taking the kids to Hotham Park in Bognor Regis, which has a miniature railway, plus a boating lake, crazy golf and Alice in Wonderland wooden sculptures.

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, take the family for a ride on a railway that’s been in use for over 100 years, the Kent and East Sussex Railway (£53 for a family of four).

WITH its wide open beaches, vibrant seaside towns and cathedral-studded cities, Lincolnshire makes for a perfect UK getaway.

Add to that brilliant food and drink options, incredible natural wonders and family-friendly attractions, and it’s no wonder the East Midlands county is one of the top destinations for 9.50 holidaymakers.

In fact, there are so many great places to explore near your £9.50 Holiday park that the hardest question will be: where to visit first?

The coast is unmissable. Long, sandy beaches ripple for more than 50 miles along the eastern shore of England from the Humber to the Wash.

Seaside towns like Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Ingoldmells are consistently highly rated and hark back to traditional bucket-and-spade holidays.

Expect quintessentially British promenades, piers and arcades as well as super-clean beaches that have earned Blue Flag Award status.

Here you can find everything from the thrilling rides of Fantasy Island to family-friendly land trains and more.

But you’ll also find secret beaches if you prefer – head somewhere like Anderby Creek for beach fun without the crowds.

If it’s nature you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Lincolnshire.

Again, the coast is a good place to start, with its landscape of sand dunes, open marshland and protected nature reserves like the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and Gibraltar Point.

You can also spot seals at Donna Nook, one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies, and learn more about them and other marine life at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.

If you prefer your wildlife-watching somewhere cosy with a cuppa, the North Sea Observatory is free to enter and makes for a brilliant wet weather option, too. 

Keen to dabble in history? Then Lincoln Castle, around an hour’s drive from the coast, should be top of your list.

It contains one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, as well as having medieval walls, dungeons and towers to explore.

While in the city, you can soak up more history at the Cathedral or swing by Louth with its historic market. 

It may be the birthplace of the Lincolnshire sausage, but there’s far more to this county on a culinary level.

Of course, you’ll find a decent carvery like The Beck in Mablethorpe and budget-friendly cafes like Cosy Corner Cafe in Skegness.

But there are also cafes with quirky touches you won’t find elsewhere, like the 1940s-style Blitz Tea Room.

Top chippies are hard to whittle down in this part of the world, but good places to start include Salts Fish & Chip Shop in Skegness and The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

Meanwhile, Hardys Fish & Chips and Meggies, both in Cleethorpes, are also highly rated chip shops – with prices that won’t break the bank.

A top tip for a pint on the beach is to make for somewhere like the Admiral Benbow, which has a bar in a boat on the sand at Chapel St Leonards. 

For families seeking a day out, there’s everything from seal sanctuaries and wildlife parks to explore.

Hubbard’s Hills is a good budget option, costing just £1 to park before you access picnic areas, dog walking trails and a cafe with a play area.

Meanwhile, Rand Farm Park not only offers indoor and outdoor play areas and a variety of animals to meet and help feed, it also offers childcare should you need some time to yourself on your holiday (book ahead).

HEADING to Devon on your next £9.50 Holiday? Then take our experts’ advice on the best places to eat and drink while you’re there.

We’ve spoken to local residents and Sun readers who have holidayed in Devon to get their top tips on the best places to eat and drink – from local pubs to food trucks and everything in between. 

Here’s what they said… 

Best local pub

If you’re staying in North Devon, Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends visiting his favourite pub, The Thatch in Croyde.

He said: “I like old and quirky things. The Thatch is very quaint, dog-friendly and there are always locals there so lots of people you can talk to.

The food is very good and reasonably-priced. I love lobster but they also do great burgers and pub classics.”

In South Devon, don’t miss The Journey’s End, a 13th-century pub in Ringmore, a ten-minute walk from Challaborough Bay.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Homes Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, says: “The head chef has won awards for his food and the food is amazing.

“He is Irish but has travelled through Asia so some of his food has got an Asian twist. It’s pub grub, but really, really nice.”

Try wok fried noodles (from £16.50) for dinner or beef sandwiches for lunch (£8). Kids’ meals, like cheeseburgers or fish and chips, cost £8.

Favourite place for a cheap eat

Tessa Lomas, 31, from Braunton, owns Hippy Happy Hoppers, a summertime food truck in Croyde.

You can pick up a hopper (Sri Lankan pancake bowl) with chocolate and banana for £3, or a hearty curry one for £9.

Tessa also recommends Blue Groove in Croyde, a seasonal cafe with a relaxed, seaside vibe and large outdoor terrace.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can eat there, or make it even more wallet-friendly by ordering takeaway.

Kids’ egg on toast costs £1.95, while an adult’s breakfast sandwich costs £5 (takeaway).

Family-friendly touches include an outdoor play area and crayons for kids.

This is also a great place to sample local seafood – splash out on West Country mussels (£12.55 for a starter, dining in). 

Best for a meal on the beach

If you want proximity to the beach, you can’t beat Beachside Grill, set on Saunton Sands in North Devon.

Sun reader Dawn Brannigan, 54, from Wakefield, said: “It has big windows and a terrace upstairs. You can sit inside or outside, which is really lovely if it’s a nice day.

I travel on my own, so this is a good place to sit and enjoy the view or have a read while I’m eating.”

Mains start at £9 and a kids’ menu is available.

Favourite restaurant

Tessa Lomas recommends The Duck Dive in Braunton. She says: “It has a great menu that changes with the season, good cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

“It’s a restaurant but then switches to a bar so it’s good for dinner and a night out.” 

Dawn Brannigan recommends the Tarko Lounge in Barnstaple. She said: “It has a 1920s Art Deco feel, which is really cool.

They have a large menu – I had a lovely all-day breakfast (£9.95) and fresh juice (£3.85 for a pink lemonade). It’s located in Green Lanes shopping centre so it’s good for retail therapy.”

Meanwhile in South Devon, Sun reader Richard Tilley also discovered one of these lounges, Visto Lounge in Torquay, not far from Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It’s nice and modern, and makes good burgers.”

If you’re located closer to Plymouth, try Seco Lounge, which is also modern, family-friendly and allows dogs.

Tip: Bag a bargain with a lunchtime deal – soup and half a panini for £6.25, available weekdays between 12-5pm.

Favourite brunch/breakfast spot

Located at Bigbury-on-Sea, Venus cafe has indoor and outdoor seating that looks out towards Burgh Island and Bantham.

For brunch with a sea view, try an egg bap (£4.99) or a breakfast burrito (Devon free range egg, cheese, bacon and hash brown with sriracha sauce, £9.99).

The cafe has good plant-based options, too, like dahl soup and vegan chilli (mains from £7.99).

Favourite place to get ice cream

On the water’s edge in Plymouth, Pilgrim’s sells arguably the best ice cream around.

Its 22 flavours range from classic clotted cream vanilla to “unicorn” (strawberry, blueberry and marshmallow swirled together).

There are vegan and gluten-free options available, as well as milkshakes and smoothies.  

With two glorious beach-fringed coasts, a pair of national parks, plus quaint villages and vibrant cities, Devon is the ultimate staycation destination. 

This picturesque county – sandwiched between Cornwall to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east – has everything you need for a fantastic holiday.

Fill your days by building sandcastles, walking the coastal path, trying various watersports, diving into fascinating history or simply embracing nature. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

If there are keen surfers in your group, you’re in the right place. 

North Devon boasts some of the country’s best surf spots, such as Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, with companies like Surfing Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Surf Centre offering lessons and equipment hire. 

The more sheltered south coast also has a handful of spots to ride perfect waves, including Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, and you can book classes with a provider such as Bantham Surfing Academy. 

If you still want in-water action but prefer something gentler, both North and South Devon are ideal for other water sports, such as bodyboarding, kayaking and canoeing. 

You can even add a splash of history, by hiring a paddleboard with an operator like Discovery Surf and then paddleboarding amidst the shipwrecks of Hope Cove in the south.

Or maybe you’re up for leaping into swirling seas near Baggy Point, a significant World War II site in Croyde, with a coasteering session from the likes of Coastline Sports. 

With over 500 miles of jaw-dropping coastline, you’re sure to find a sandy bay, hidden cove or private pebbly beach during your visit. 

Those looking to escape the crowds could head to Barricane Beach, which is more hidden than its more famous neighbour, Woolacombe.

In South Devon, you’ll get Ayrmer Cove and Wyscombe Beach almost to yourself, so long as you’re prepared to walk to get there.  

Families with prams, and wheelchair users, are able to roll straight onto Challaborough Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea and Saunton Sands – where bucket-and-spade perfection awaits. 

Meanwhile, dog walkers will never have to tread the same path twice, with miles of dog-friendly beaches, coastal paths and country trails to explore.

The Tarka Trail, a 180-mile traffic-free loop in North Devon, is a good place to start – and also works well for a family-friendly cycle ride with staggering sea views. 

When it’s time to refuel, Devon’s mainly rural cuisine will satisfy your taste buds. 

Think hot pasties, fresh fish and cheeses like Curworthy, Sharpham and Vulscombe – yum!

Harbour Light in Paignton, The Blue Hut in Teignmouth and Brixham Fish Restaurant & Takeaway are some of Devon’s best-rated fish and chips providers, while the award-winning Country Cottage Bakery in Bideford specialises in Devon-style pasties. 

No Devon holiday experience would be complete without a traditional cream tea.

Unlike in neighbouring Cornwall, here locals spread cream before jam on their scones, which are known as “Devonshire Splits” – with Someday Something in Sidmouth, Chandlers Cafe in Paignton and Ullacombe Farm in Newton Abbot all rated highly for theirs.

When it comes to natural and historic attractions, Devon is bursting to the seams. 

You could begin a deep dive into history at the 600-year-old Dartmouth Castle, or by meandering through the grounds of Saltram, a Georgian house and gardens in Plympton. 

There are also museums and galleries located near Devon’s holiday parks.

Family-friendly options in Plymouth include the top-rated National Marine Aquarium and The Box, an engaging art gallery that is free to enter. 

And you’ll never be too far from a natural attraction in Devon, with five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and two national parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor) to explore.

Bordering the coast, Exmoor is the UK’s first dark skies conservation area and offers everything from wildlife spotting to stunning walks, like the four-miler through rugged moorland to Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall. 

Families may prefer to swap hiking for a relaxed steam train ride, with the Dartmouth Steam Railway a sure bet to keep kids happy while adults take in sweeping views of the South Devon coastline. 

To keep costs down, dads can head to free toddler play sessions, or you can simply build sandcastles on the beach.

Another wallet-friendly day out for families is the top-rated Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, where entry and parking are both free. 

IF you have a thirst for history and nature, Sussex is the place for you.

This county, which boasts around 140 miles of coastline, has sunny seaside resorts, the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, country parks and wildlife-packed nature reserves.

It’s also loaded with history. The name Sussex is from the Saxon period, but its history goes back even further – just take a look at the Iron Age hillfort at Cissbury Ring or Boxgrove where the oldest human remains in Britain were discovered.

To find out which natural and historic attractions are worth visiting on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday, we spoke to Sun readers and local experts, and have suggested some of our own. 

Here’s our pick of the best…

Explore ancient forests 

Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide London and South England, recommends Kingley Vale, just north of Chichester in West Sussex.

It’s a nature reserve that’s home to one of Europe’s most ancient yew forests, with twisted trunks that have stood here for more than 500 years.

Daniel says: “These majestic, gnarled trees create an almost mythical atmosphere, their branches twisting skyward like ancient sentinels.

“Strolling through the groves is a journey through history, with some yews as old as the Norman conquest, sheltering a wealth of wildlife beneath their shade.”

As you explore, look out for various types of orchids on the ground and red kites and buzzards overhead. 

Pedal to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the country’s most important wildlife sites.

Spend the day watching them from one of five bird hides, before learning more in the Discovery Centre (or sipping a cuppa at the Lime Kiln Cafe).

You can reach it by public transport or car, but Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park, reckons the best way to get there is by electric bike.

She said: “It’s a more unusual way to get there. There’s e-bike hire at Rye Harbour and you can cycle all the way through the nature reserve to the beach. It’s a beautiful ride.”

Seal spotting 

Wildlife lovers can jump in a boat for a seal-watching adventure. Harbour seals are commonly spotted along the East Sussex coastline, while some large colonies of grey seals live off the West Sussex coast.

Chichester Harbour has a colony of more than 40 mixed seals, and you can cruise around the harbour in search of them on an organised trip with Chichester Harbour Water Tours (90 minutes from £25 per adult, £20 per child).

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, a one-hour seal safari boat trip from Rye Harbour costs £37pp.  

Castles and cathedrals

History lovers can get their fill on a whole host of historic attractions within easy reach of coastal holiday parks, including a number of famous castles.

East Sussex is home to Hastings Castle (Britain’s first Norman castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1067) and Camber Castle, a coastal fort built by Henry VIII (tip: it’s only accessible via a one-mile walk from Rye).

In West Sussex, you have Arundel Castle with its Norman Keep, medieval gatehouse and award-winning grounds that have plenty of space for kids to run off steam. 

Sun reader Clare Johnson, 52, from Brighton, recommends Chichester for “a mooch about”.

She said: “It’s got good shops, a theatre and an incredible cathedral.”

The 900-year-old Cathedral is free to enter (although donations are welcome) and should also be top of your list.

Admire its stunning stained glass windows and look out for the Roman mosaic floor, uncovered during renovations 50 years ago.

Tip: to discover more, book a guided tour (£6pp, free for under-12s) – they run at 11.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Saturday and take around 45 minutes.

Step inside Anne of Cleves’ house

Get a glimpse of Tudor and Elizabethan life by stepping inside the Anne of Cleves House in Lewes, not far from the coast in East Sussex.

The 15th-century timber-framed pad was given to Anne of Cleves at the end of her short marriage to Henry VIII – but she never lived there.

Still, there’s plenty to explore here from its Tudor kitchen to the garden with herbs and fruit trees that would have been grown at the time.

Kids will love rifling through the dressing-up box that will bring their surroundings to life. 

Hike along the white cliffs

You can’t miss the South Downs National Park when you’re visiting Sussex – it spans 86 miles through Hampshire and Sussex (both West Sussex and East Sussex).

The park’s crowning glory is arguably the coastal section, particularly the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

You could explore it on foot by picking up the South Downs Way National Trail, taking in epic views of Cuckmere Haven, Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.

Tip: the views are better if you start the walk from Seaford Esplanade, potentially finishing with a pint at the Tiger Inn at East Dean.

The pub is a short walk away from a bus stop (with routes to Eastbourne, Brighton or back to Seaford).

A LAND of lochs, monumental mountains and breathtaking beaches, Scotland is an unforgettable holiday destination. 

Whether you’re keen to relax by the sea, trek through glens, take the family to a country park or savour this nation’s brilliant cuisine, there’s something for everyone. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

Families wanting to explore the local area will have stacks of choice. 

You could start with a gentle steam train ride through the countryside, with the likes of Strathspey Steam Railway sure to put a smile on your child’s face.

Need to up the ante? Older kids can test their courage with adrenaline-pumping activities like the Highland Fling bungee jump in Killiecrankie or burn off steam at Pirate Pete’s adventure play park in Ayr.

Taking your brood to a country park like Eglinton is another great way of letting them run off excess energy – and it has the added bonus of being completely free to visit.

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

If you want a deeper dive into nature, you could head to one of the country’s two National Parks – at Loch Lomond and Cairngorms – which are packed with nature trails. 

For a route that’s loaded with history, try the outdoor “museum without walls” Cateran Ecomuseum.

It features ancient Pictish stones and the Cateran Trail, which you can explore by foot, bike or car. 

Alternatively, try and catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness – the world’s largest lake by volume.

Prefer to bask by the beach (weather permitting)? Then you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

With over 11,000 miles of coastline including its islands, Scotland has some of the UK’s best beaches, with Camusdarach Beach on the west coast and Gullane Bents, East Lothian, among those highly rated. 

Sun readers also have their own favourite Scottish beaches, from the near-deserted shores of Embo Beach in the Highlands to the family-friendly sands at Silver Sands near Lossiemouth. 

And with so many beautiful lochs, you also have freshwater beaches including the UK’s highest beach at Loch Morlich (318m). 

Beach days can be filled with buckets and spades, sea swimming or trying a raft of activities such as paddleboarding (do it off the coast of Nairn, and you could spot the resident pod of dolphins).

A swim in nature doesn’t have to be by the sea – with wild swimming spots that include river pools in the Highlands and “Rob Roy’s Bathtub”, a massive plunge pool fed by the Falls of Falloch.

You can also explore Scotland’s incredible lochs by kayak or paddleboard, with Priory Island on Loch Tay a fantastic option for an adventure without any crowds. 

When it’s time to refuel, Scotland has everything from sea view restaurants to cheap and cheerful cafes, like Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach, and Milk Bar in Inverness. 

Keen to sample local flavours? Get your fill of everything from hearty haggis to Cullen Sink – a soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions – at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry.

And no trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram. 

There are traditional pubs aplenty, like The Auld Smiddy Inn in Pitlochry, as well as distilleries like the Blair Athol Distillery where you can learn more about the process of making the tipple on an organised tour.