inclusive

Mega waterpark hotels with fairgrounds & 24-hour bars that are CRAZY cheap…plus all inclusive deals from £189pp

SUN soaked mega resorts abroad with their own waterparks, theme parks, and beaches? Yes please.

We’ve done the digging to find top-tier waterpark hotels abroad with deals that are so cheap they’ll make you do a double take.

Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort – Neverland in Hurghada has 81 waterslides on-site Credit: On The Beach
Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection is a five-star hotel in Turkey with a three-star price Credit: Loveholidays

From Egypt resorts with 45 pools and 81 waterslides, to Spanish spots that come with free theme park tickets, these are the mega resorts abroad that will keep the entire family entertained.

You don’t even need a massive sum sitting in your bank account to unlock these holiday memories, either.

Many of these deals include a kids go free offer, plus Loveholidays and On the Beach also offer low deposits from £19, meaning you can lock in your holiday without sweating about how much you’ve spent.

Whether you want to immerse yourself at a pirate-themed resort in Benidorm or slip down 16 thrilling waterslides in Side, here are the ultimate family resorts abroad with deals you can book right now.

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, Majorca

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort is a holiday complex with a hotel, theme park and waterpark on-site Credit: On The Beach

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort is a theme park, waterpark, and hotel all rolled into one epic holiday complex (where kids can stay for free).

Staying here for at least two nights unlocks you a free play pass, which gives you unlimited entry to the park’s top attractions, waterpark and soft play.

Kids can cool off at the Katopia Splash Park, which is packed with water cannons, jets, and waterfalls, before tackling a giant soft play or hopping on 4D dark rides.

The fun continues back at the hotel, too, as this resort has themed family accommodation including mystical Enchanted Forest rooms and Mythical Ice suites.

Food and drink options here include a build-your-own burger bar, a pick and mix station, and a soft-serve ice cream machine – plus themed dinners and healthy options, too.

And for the grown-ups? Sangria and Cruzcampo are available on-tap at the pool bar.

Plus, if you fancy a dip in the sea, there’s a golden sand beach a four-minute stroll away.

Book a holiday: Majorca

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On the Beach offer a five night stay with breakfast from September 28, including return flights from London Stansted, for £244pp.

Kids can stay free at this hotel (dates and restrictions apply).

BOOK HERE

Skanes Serail and Aquapark, Tunisia

Skanes Serail and Aquapark in Tunisia offers family holidays from £189pp Credit: Love Holidays

This four-star Tunisian gem is the most affordable on the list, and packs everything you’d need into an action-packed, sunny family holiday abroad.

The star of the show at Skanes Serail is its on-site aquapark, which has rainbow-coloured waterslides that are sure to keep kids entertained for hours.

This resort even has a private beach, complete with free sun loungers, a selection of water sports, and signature white sands facing a turquoise sea.

The all inclusive package includes a massive daily buffet spread, as well as access to a beachfront à la carte restaurant serving Italian and Lebanese food.

While the little ones make friends at the daily kids’ club, grown-ups can escape to the full-service spa for a traditional hammam, sauna, and steam room session.

Plus, Tunisia boasts reliable sunshine year-round. Book ahead something to look forward to for November with this deal, when temperatures hover at a toasty 23°C.

Book a holiday: Tunisia

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Loveholidays offer a seven night, all inclusive stay from November 14, including return flights from London Southend, for £189pp.

BOOK HERE

Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort – Neverland Hurghada

Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort – Neverland in Hurghada is a paradise for waterpark fans Credit: On The Beach

If you think you’ve seen a big waterpark hotel, think again, because this holiday kingdom in Hurghada operates on an entirely different planet.

It’s so big it even has its own shuttle buses to transport you around site.

The Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort boasts 45 swimming pools and a staggering 81 waterslides, plus a massive lazy river and wave pools.

The complex also has its own fairground with 11 rides, a roller-skating arena, bumper boats, and a high-tech VR gaming zone. Bored kids? Impossible.

You can also eat your way around the globe thanks to the lineup of international, all-inclusive restaurants.

Load up your plate with wood-fired Italian pizzas, Asian noodles, or spiced Moroccan tagines. There’s even a German eatery serving up bratwurst and schnitzel.

As for bars, pick between the Jungle Bar, Red Sky Bar, White Elephant Bar, Lobby Bar, Columbus Bar, Jazz Bar, and Beach Bar for your beverage.

If you ever fancy a break from the excitement of the resort, there’s a 10-minute complimentary shuttle bus to whizz you straight down to the private beach.

There’s a range of affordable dates for this resort at Loveholidays, but we found the cheapest deal this year to be in December, where temperatures sit at 24°C.

Book a holiday: Hurghada

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On the Beach offer a seven night, all inclusive stay from December 7, including return flights from London Luton, for £457pp.

BOOK HERE

Magic Pirates Island Resort, Benidorm

Magic Pirates Island Resort in Benidorm is entirely themed, even down to the bedrooms Credit: On The Beach

This pirate-themed resort in Benidorm is an absolute treasure trove for families.

Magic Pirates Island Resort lets families sleep like sea captains inside themed wooden lodges plastered with maps, compasses and desert islands.

There’s three large swimming pools, including the Battleship Lagoon, which has play boats and jets for the little ones, plus a more relaxed pool zone with hot tubs and Balinese beds to laze out on.

Best of all, a stay here gives you free unlimited entry to the Aqua Natura waterpark right next door, as well as free access to Terra Natura Zoo.

But there’s plenty more fun to be had back at the hotel, with a Virtual Reality simulator zone, dance stage, and gaming arcade.

Food and drink comes as a fully-stocked buffet restaurant, with snacks available throughout the day.

There’s also an option to upgrade to ultra-all inclusive, which opens up access to fun eateries like Tacos of the Caribbean, and the Hall of Flames Asian restaurant.

Refreshing beers, cocktails and soft drinks are never far away either, thanks to a swim-up pool bar and traditional pirate taverns.

We found a deal for an October escape, when the resort hosts a Halloween festival packed with spooky live entertainment, themed activities and costume contests.

Book a holiday: Benidorm

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On the Beach offer a five night stay with breakfast from October 10, including return flights from London Luton, for £260pp.

Kids stay free at this hotel (dates and restrictions apply).

BOOK HERE

Eftalia Ocean, Antalya

Eftalia Ocean in Antalya has underground passageways that take you to Eftalia Island Credit: Loveholidays

Fancy a trip to a five star family mega resort in Turkey?

The hotel is built around a network of giant, winding outdoor swimming pools and slides.

The all inclusive perks include live show-cooking stations at the main buffet, as well as dining in an Italian a la carte restaurant and grill.

Some bars even serve refreshing drinks for 24 hours a day, and you can satisfy late-night cravings with round-the-clock bites at Burgerland.

Entertainment includes daily kids clubs, mini golf, and outdoor theatre shows. There’s also a wellness spa offering massages, hammam and sauna sessions.

But the real magic of this hotel is its secret pathway – walk through the hotel’s private underpass and you’ll pop up directly onto Eftalia Island.

This entertainment district sits directly on the beach and is packed with massive shared waterparks, waterslides, and pools as well as a bustling seaside promenade lined with beach bars.

Book a holiday: Antalya, Turkey

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Loveholidays offer a seven night, all inclusive stay from November 12, including return flights from London Southend, for £249pp.

BOOK HERE

THB Tropical Island, Lanzarote

THB Tropical Island in Lanzarote has ten swimming pools, and is close to popular beach Playa Blanca Credit: Loveholidays

THB Tropical Island boasts 10 swimming pools scattered across the resort, alongside thrilling waterslides and a splash park for little ones.

Accommodation comes as modern apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, a big win for budget-savvy families who like to stock up on snacks and easy-to-make meals.

The resort also has a buffet restaurant with live show-cooking stations, a pizzeria, and even a lively sports bar for catching that important match.

Daytime kids entertainment includes football tournaments and kids mini-discos, plus activities like arts and crafts and water polo.

Here you’re close to Playa Blanca, which has a range of souvenir shops, bars, cafes and restaurants – plus two huge beaches, which you can reach by taking the hotel’s free shuttle bus.

Book a holiday: Lanzarote

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Loveholidays offer a seven night, room only stay from September 14, including return flights from London Luton, for £289pp.

BOOK HERE

Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection, Side

Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection in Side, Turkey is a five-star property – but we found a cheap deal Credit: Loveholidays

If you want to live like royalty on a budget, this five-star Turkish resort proves you don’t have to spend a lot for a high-end family getaway.

The Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection has an impressive waterpark packed with 16 waterslides, including 11 adrenaline-pumping flumes and five gentle slides for kids.

If you prefer a slower pace, you can lounge by the huge main pool, retreat to the relaxing adults-only pool, or sip a cocktail at the poolside bar.

The hotel also runs a shuttle bus to whisk you down to the golden shores of Kumköy Beach.

Alongside a massive daily buffet spread, you can opt for a la carte dinners in the hotel’s Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants.

Ice-cold drinks are fully covered from 10am until midnight, and there’s even an on-site patisserie to satisfy the sweet cravings.

Here you’re just a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Side, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins and catch a postcard-perfect sunset at the famous Temple of Apollo.

Book a holiday: Side, Turkey

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Loveholidays offer a seven night, all inclusive stay from October 30, including return flights from Birmingham, for £499pp.

BOOK HERE

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Our holiday expert’s pick of the CHEAPEST all inclusive holidays for summer 2026

AS a travel expert at one of the UK’s biggest travel companies, I spend a ridiculous amount of time staring at holiday prices.

Not because I have a weird fetish for spreadsheets (trust me, I don’t), because if you dig deep enough into the data, you can spot exactly when everyone is about to pile into a destination. And, more importantly, where the cheap holidays are hiding before the rest of Britain catches on.

Nour Palace Resort in Tunisia is a family-friendly spot with waterslides and a giant outdoor pool Credit: On The Beach
You can stay at Sun Club El Dorado in Majorca for five nights from £325pp Credit: On The Beach

For summer 2026, a few spots keep flashing up on my radar for one massive reason: they’re offering proper, old-school all-inclusive value.

Some are old favourites, others are probably completely off your map.

But they’re all delivering serious bang for your buck right now.

Here are the seven at the top of my list.

Cabo Blanco, Majorca, Spain

Majorca isn’t exactly a secret, but Cabo Blanco is about as close as you’ll get to an undiscovered value goldmine.

While the masses fight for sunbeds in the bigger resorts, this quieter stretch of coast serves up rugged cliffs, proper crystal-clear water, and the kind of sea views that justify doing absolutely nothing from your balcony for a week straight.

You get all the perks of Majorca in the short flight and guaranteed sun, but skip the eye-watering price tag of the flashier spots.

I found a five-night all-inclusive stay at Sun Club El Dorado for £325pp in August.

It’s perched right on the edge of the coast, has more pools than you’ll know what to do with, and is basically built for elite-level lounging.

Marrakech, Morocco

The Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is a quiet retreat away from the bustle of the city centre Credit: On The Beach

Marrakech probably isn’t the first place you think of when someone says “all-inclusive,” which is exactly why it’s a brilliant shout: it breaks the monotony of the standard fly-and-flop.

You can be haggling in a centuries-old souk in the afternoon, and back at the resort by dark, nursing a drink by the pool with the Atlas Mountains in the background. It beats swapping one European beach for another.

Case in point: a five-night all-inclusive stint at Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is coming in at £373pp this summer.

It’s one of my top picks because it nails the balance – you can dive headfirst into the chaos of the city by day, then retreat to a massive, quiet resort to completely switch off.

Sidari, Corfu, Greece

You could go swimming in Sidari’s Canal d’Amour in Corfu, Greece Credit: Getty

Corfu has quietly morphed into one of the best-value Greek islands, and Sidari is where the real bargains are hiding.

It’s a bit of an all-rounder – it handles families, couples, and groups without feeling like a chaotic free-for-all.

Plus, you’ve got the Canal d’Amour right there to give it a bit of natural character.

Looking at the peak summer hols, I found a deal for a five-night all-inclusive stay at Panorama Sidari Village from £398pp this August.

The selling point here is definitely the location: it’s perched on a hillside overlooking the coast, so you get the top-tier views without being stranded miles away from the resort centre.

Gumusluk, Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is a stylish hotspot on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast – stay in Gumusluk for cheaper rates Credit: On The Beach

Turkey’s reputation for budget-friendly all-inclusives is well established, but for me, Gumusluk is still criminally underrated.

Unlike the mega-resorts down the road, this place has a proper slow pace.

The waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, the sunsets are top-tier, and the vibe here is completely relaxed.

I found five nights all-inclusive at Golden Age Crystal Bodrum for £395pp right in the school holidays.

The hotel is a cracking little base because it puts you near the side of Bodrum most tourists miss – laid-back beach clubs and evening strolls – without forcing you to pay the premium rates of the flashier hotels nearby.

Mahdia, Tunisia

Nour Palace Resort in Mahdia, Tunisia, offers five night all-inclusive stays from £388pp in August Credit: On the Beach

If you want the absolute maximum amount of sunshine per pound spent, Tunisia should always be on your radar.

Mahdia is easily one of the country’s best-kept secrets, pairing massive white beaches with a calm, old fishing port vibe. It feels authentic, rather than a purpose-built tourist bubble.

I did some digging and found five nights all-inclusive at the Nour Palace Resort for £388pp this August.

It sits right on the sand and boasts one of the biggest pool setups on this entire list. If you just want to park yourself by the water and forget reality, this is the one.

Agadir, Morocco

El Pueblo Tamlelt in Agadir, Morocco, is the cheapest on the list at £288pp for five nights Credit: supplied

Agadir has been quietly banking reliable, budget sun holidays for years.

The weather is a safe bet, the beach goes on forever, and the whole place is set up to make your life easy.

It’s one of those rare spots where you can do absolutely nothing for a week and actually feel like you’ve escaped.

The price on this one is borderline ridiculous too: a five-night all-inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamlelt for £228pp.

It’s exactly what a budget all-inclusive should be – huge pools, loads going on, and a price tag that makes you double-check you didn’t accidentally miss a zero off the end.

Ovacik, Turkey

The Sunshine Holiday Resort Hotel in Ovacik sits just above the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz Credit: On the Beach

If you want the full package – beaches, nightlife, mountain backdrops, and change left over from a grand – Ovacik is tough to beat.

It sits just above the famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, giving you easy access to Turkey’s best coastline while being a cheap taxi ride away from the bars in Hisaronu.

Because it’s up in the hills, it stays a touch cooler and greener than the coastal strip, which is a massive win in August.

I spotted a five-night stay at Sunshine Holiday Resort Hotel from £388pp this August.

It perfectly highlights why this area works so well for families: you get a waterpark, proper mountain views, and more than enough entertainment to keep kids quiet without ever needing to leave the complex. Job done.

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TikTok star Becki Jones reveals what she REALLY eats in a day at all inclusive hotel as she shows off 10st weight loss

TIKTOK star Becki Jones has revealed what she REALLY eats in a day on holiday at an all inclusive hotel.

Showing off her 10 stone weight loss in Tunisia, Becki, 32, could be seen eating yummy food and enjoying herself following the news of her engagement.

TikTok star Becki Jones is currently on an all inclusive holiday Credit: Tiktok/beckijones4
She has been tucking into some yummy food while on holiday Credit: Tiktok/beckijones4

Becki, who has denied having used fat jabs or having surgery to shed the weight in around six months, began her day with some scrambled eggs and one slice of toast.

The slimmed down star then looked at the yummy cakes and pastries before opting for a bowl of yogurt with jam on top of it, a sprinkling of cereal and a tiny cupcake.

After breakfast, Becki headed outside and enjoyed a carton of apple juice.

She later sipped a fruity cocktail, which looked as though it had the consistency of a smoothie.

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WEIGHING IN

Sad truth behind Becki Jones’ weight loss after hols snaps as fans turn on her

Becki is keeping her fans informed with what she’s eating while abroad Credit: Tiktok/beckijones4
She is seemingly being mindful with her portions following her speedy 10st weight loss Credit: Tiktok/beckijones4
Becki looks so different since slimming down Credit: Instagram
She has lost over 10 stone in around six months Credit: TikTok

Becki and her husband-to-be then looked at some of the food that was on offer on the beach.

Sitting down, Becki then zoomed into what was on her partner’s plate, which was fries and chicken nuggets, though it is not known if Becki ate anything.

Later on in the day, Becki ate a bowl of food that looked like minced beef, coleslaw, fries and some baguette without any butter.

She then headed outside again and enjoyed a yummy frozen cocktail.

Lounging beneath the sunshine, Becki opted for an ice cream which was in the flavour of ‘berries and cream’.

Back in her room, Becki had showered as she tucked into a packet of savoury snacks with some water.

Heading out again, Becki had a wander around before sitting down to eat two chunky spring rolls with a chilli dip.

She then ate what looked like mashed potatoes with a chicken kiev and broccoli.

Becki then enjoyed what looked like a creamy risotto dish before tucking into a berry-flavoured cake for dessert.

One fan commented on the post: “That risotto looked lush not gonna lie.”

While another said: “Great day of food!!! Looks so yum!”

This comes after Becki confirmed that her partner Chris Beattie had popped the question to her during a dreamy beachside proposal on their holiday.

Becki took to Instagram to share the moment that Chris got down on one knee to pop the question to the TikTok legend.

“We’ve been keeping a secret. I said yes. My fiancé, my Chrissy. What a surprise!!

“I was shocked, emotional, nervous laughing and we’ve been in a little bubble since Monday,” she penned online.

“You’ve not only shown me love but you’ve shown me kindness, respect and what it feels like to be treated like a princess.

“This was so special, romantic and the best kept secret.

“I love you Chrissy so so so much.

“Here’s to the future and making more memories.”

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Just 6 weeks until the school summer holidays! Cheap all inclusive deals abroad where kids go FREE

FAMILIES have just six weeks until the school summer holidays begin – and it’s not too late to book a bargain all-inclusive family holiday.

While the summer holidays usually signal a massive jump in holiday prices, we’ve found all inclusive holiday deals that will actually SAVE you money.

Stay on Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ at these affordable family resorts in Bodrum and Antalya Credit: Getty
These all inclusive package holidays include flights, accommodation plus a free kids spot Credit: Alamy

Plus, by packing flights, hotel, meals, drinks and snacks into a single all-inclusive deal, you won’t need to worry about extra costs once you’re abroad.

To make holiday budgets stretch even further, brands like Loveholidays and On the Beach are offering free child places across a range of hotels.

We’ve rounded up a selection of week-long, all inclusive holidays in July and August with FREE child places.

This means you can secure a week in the sunshine with unlimited ice lollies, drinks, kids’ clubs, and pool access while one of the little ones travels for nothing.

Read more on all inclusives

FLY IN

One of the cheapest family holiday spots has 89p beers & £279 all inclusive hols


ALL IN

Holiday spot slashes prices to entice Brits – from 7 nights all inclusive for £289pp

Here’s our pick of bargain all-inclusive family holidays from £368pp.

Costa Brava, Spain

Stay on Spain’s brilliant Costa Brava from £368pp at the Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus Credit: Getty

With an on-site disco bar, kids splash pool and a free shuttle to the nearest sandy beach, you can’t really go wrong with a break at this Costa Brava resort.

The Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus has plenty of activities for kids to burn off their energy – plus relaxing spots for parents to unwind, too.

There’s a pool with a splash zone and water features, an action-packed kids club and evening discos that children will love – plus unlimited ice lollies.

And for the grown-ups, there’s two bars where you can grab an ice-cold beer or cocktail – one of which is by the pool.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £368pp with one child staying for free – and is currently £198 off.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus for £368pp.

Antalya, Turkey

Sun Star Beach in Antalya has a private beach just steps away from the hotel Credit: Love Holidays

The all inclusive Sun Star Beach has a massive outdoor pool with a waterslide, four lively bars, and its very own private beach.

When parents need a breather from baking in the Mediterranean sun, you can slip away to the on-site spa.

Here you’ll find a sauna, a traditional Turkish bath and soothing massage treatments – plus a gym if you want to squeeze in a workout.

There’s also a kids club and activities program, as well as sports on the beach like beach volleyball. water skiing and jet skiing.

Out and about, the vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops of Mahmutlar are right on your doorstep.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 31 including flights for £469pp with one child staying for free. This break is currently £40 off, too.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach for £469pp

Agadir, Morocco

El Pueblo Tamelt in Agadir is 10 minutes from the centre where you’ll find vibrant souks Credit: Love Holidays

El Pueblo Tamlelt is a tropical-feel Moroccan resort with 11 acres of lush gardens, just steps away from the beach.

Plus it’s only 15 minutes from the airport, so you’ll be landed and on a lounger in no time.

Every modern room comes with a private balcony or terrace, and the all-inclusive deal keeps kids happy with an all-you-can-eat buffet and poolside snacks like pizza and burgers.

When you’re ready to explore, Agadir’s bustling centre is just a 10-minute taxi or bus ride away.

Wander the palm-lined promenade or head to the Agadir Oufella Ruins for spectacular mountaintop views over the city.

On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 19 including flights for £433pp with children 2 and under staying for free. This holiday is currently £166 off full price.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamelt for £433pp

Crete, Greece

Stay at the Club Lyda hotel in Gouves, Crete during the school summer holidays from £489pp Credit: Love Holidays

The Club Lyda Hotel in Gouves is a great value option for families looking for an affordable Greek island holiday.

This large, village-style resort sits within walking distance of local soft sand beaches and offers a budget-friendly all-inclusive package.

The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool plus a kids pool, as well as plenty of loungers out on the terrace for sunbathing.

This resort caters to families with little ones, with a kids club, children’s swimming pool and activity program that runs all day long.

Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, which cooks up a rotating mix of traditional Greek dishes and familiar favourites.

If you want to explore beyond the resort, The Dinosauria Park is just a 10-minutes away by car or taxi, plus there are three waterpark options within 20 minutes’ drive.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £489pp with one child staying free. This deal saves £97 off full-price, too.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Club Lyda Hotel for £489pp

Bodrum, Turkey

Stay at a family-friendly resort in luxurious Bodrum this August for £518pp Credit: Getty

The Tiana Beach Resort is a budget-friendly base in the glamorous resort of Bodrum, offering a luxurious-feeling family holiday for less.

Here there’s pretty garden paths that will lead you straight down to the sea, with a stretch of private beach with a range of water sports.

Back at the hotel, there’s a pool surrounded by plenty of sun loungers and parasols, plus sports like tennis and volleyball.

Plus the spa and sauna with treatments like massages is the cherry on top.

It’s about half an hour’s drive to the centre of Bodrum, where you can visit its massive castle or stroll along the glitzy marina and dip into bars and seafood restaurants.

On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 17 including flights for £518pp. This saves you £172 off full-price.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Tiana Beach Resort for £518pp

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

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I visited the ‘all inclusive’ holiday park on the UK’s Sunshine Coast

WITH three boisterous boys who like to keep busy on seaside staycays, we were spoilt for choice at Parkdean’s Highfield Grange. 

It’s a balancing act finding fun for all the family when you’ve got a six-year-old daredevil, a tween who’s too cool for school and a teen moving towards late nights and lie-ins. 

Midweek Easter stay at Parkdean’s Highfield Grange is packed with entertainment, and boasts a Ferris wheel Credit: Alamy
The new outdoor activities complex at Parkdean features a towering high ropes course alongside a sports dome, playground and bounce park Credit: Parkdean Holidays

But thanks to £5million of investment at the family resort in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, Parkdean offers something for everyone.  

You can’t miss the new outdoor activities complex — the high-ropes course towers above its surroundings and you’ve got a sports dome, playground, bounce park, Off-Road Rangers, Bear Grylls escape rooms and an al-fresco eating area below. 

Inside, a fairground-themed adventure golf course has been created in one corner of Hat Tricks sports bar and interactive darts and shuffleboard have been added, as well as a soft play area for under-fives. 

We stayed midweek over the Easter holiday and I was wowed by how many activities were on offer — we could have done something different every day and still not have tried everything.  

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On the entertainment front, the highlights included live wrestling, a panto and a guest talent show, as well as bingo, gameshows, children’s discos and live music. 

As a family, we thought the indoor golf was the best we’ve been to, thanks to the clever theming around fairground favourites like the ghost train, helter skelter and ferris wheel. 

We tackled both the high and low ropes — it’s great that you can book them separately or together, particularly if you have no head for heights.  

It meant I could try out the lower course first then decide whether to head up higher — although I found the low ropes more challenging than the upper course.  

The best value is the £100 Ultimate bundle, which covers 16 paid-for activities and can be shared by friends and family in the same holiday party Credit: Parkdean Holidays
Try out the Thunderbird Strip Shack for chicken and chips with outdoor seating under cover in the new activity hub Credit: Parkdean Holidays

My six-year-old completed both, with a little bit of help from his dad. 

If you’re after holiday staples like pedalling around the park on a kart or splashing in the pool, Parkdean has kept the core caravan-site classics and added lots of exciting new experiences on top. 

As a mum with an eye on the budget, I liked the range of activity passes that Parkdean had to offer.

The best value is the £100 Ultimate bundle, which covers 16 paid-for activities and can be shared by friends and family in the same holiday party, bringing the cost of each session down to £6.25. 

Other activity passes sre also available. 

There’s a big choice of accommodation, too, from value two or three-bedroom caravans to luxury lodges.  

If your staycay style is using your caravan as a base and being out and about exploring all day, this could be the perfect park for you. 

The bright lights of Clacton Pier, with rides, arcades and attractions galore, are just five minutes away by car, 20 minutes by bus or a 45- minute stroll. 

And from here, the beaches all the way up the Essex Sunshine Coast are easily accessible.

We enjoyed a swim or an activity in the morning, before heading out for the day then going back to the site to watch a show, grab some food or enjoy the arcade of an evening. 

There are loads of food options for those who fancy giving cooking a miss, including Scoop for sweet treats and the Thunderbird Strip Shack for fried chicken, with its outdoor seating under cover in the new activity hub. 

But we stumbled across the best fish and chips we’ve had in a while on our way back from the pier.  

Skinners — on a parade of shops just round the corner from Highfield Grange — was packed with locals and there were a couple of picnic benches outside where you could eat your chippy tea. 

If you’re visiting during school term time, take a look at the all- inclusive offer Parkdean launched at the end of last year at some of its sites, including Highfield Grange.  

For £100 per adult and £40 per child, you can order three meals a day at the on-site restaurant on a four-night midweek break, plus unlimited soft and hot drinks.  

Even though alcohol, starters and puddings aren’t included, it’s great value for money

Parkdean certainly packs a punch when it comes to offering affordable family fun and food on a best-of-British break. 

GO: CLACTON-ON-SEA

STAYING THERE: Four nights’ self-catering in a Bronze two-bed caravan sleeping four at Parkdean Resorts’ Highfield Grange Holiday Park is from £158. See parkdeanresorts.co.uk

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