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IF you’re wondering where the next big holiday trend is coming from, I can save you some time.

It’s not a brand new destination, and it’s not somewhere “undiscovered”.

It’s the places your parents went in the 90s.

I spend most of my time looking at holiday booking data, and this one trend keeps jumping out.

A whole wave of classic British package holiday resorts are making a serious comeback in 2026.

And the reason is simple: they’re still ridiculously good value.

From Europe to Africa, here are my top 10 cheap holiday spots that are booming again… and the deals you can get right now.

10. Skanes, Tunisia

Skanes is a proper throwback to 90s package holidays – big beachfront hotels, short transfers, and everything centred around the resort.

And now, it’s having one of the biggest comebacks I’ve seen in the data, with bookings to Tunisia up massively again heading into 2026.

I found a really strong all-inclusive deal here – 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Liberty Resort, flying from London Southend (16–23 Aug 2026), from £535pp for a family of four. That’s roughly £76pp per night, and crucially, it’s all-inclusive.

What makes this one work is how family-friendly it is – big pool areas, loads going on for kids, and everything included, so you’re not constantly spending.

And the reason it’s this cheap is simple. Tunisia is still rebuilding demand, so hotels are pricing low to win Brits back. Which means right now, you’re getting proper beachfront value for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

9. Calpe, Costa Blanca, Spain

Calpe was huge with British tourists in the 80s and early 90s – classic Spanish seaside, big beaches and that iconic rock backdrop.

Now it’s trending again in 2026, as people look for more relaxed, less chaotic alternatives to bigger resorts.

I found a great-value summer deal – 7 nights at the 4* AR Diamante Beach, flying from Bournemouth (3–10 Aug 2026), from £588pp for a family of four. That’s about £84pp per night, on a bed & breakfast basis.

This hotel stands out because it feels a bit more premium than your typical Costa Blanca stay – big modern rooms, great pool area, and close to the beach without being chaotic.

It’s cheaper because it’s not trying to be flashy or all-inclusive heavy. And for families, that works – because you can eat out cheaply and control your spending instead.

8. Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada was unbelievably popular in the 2000s all-inclusive boom, thanks to massive resorts, guaranteed heat and loads included in the price.

And now it’s properly back again, with bookings climbing fast into 2026.

This one’s properly eye-opening – 7 nights at the 4* Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa, flying from Belfast (22–29 Aug 2026), from £668pp for a family of four. That’s around £95pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.

What makes it great for families is the waterpark setup with slides, multiple pools and enough going on to keep kids busy all week without leaving the hotel.

This is why Egypt is flying with Brits right now, despite its proximity to the Iran conflict. Because once you arrive, everything’s covered.

Flights are longer, which keeps demand slightly lower, but for families, that means ridiculous value for what you get.

7. Hammamet, Tunisia

Hammamet was one of the classic British beach holidays of the 90s – long sandy beaches, big hotels and loads of all-inclusive resorts.

Just like Skanes, it’s seeing a massive resurgence heading into 2026.

I spotted this while digging through peak summer prices – 7 nights at the 4* Houda Yasmine Hammamet, flying from London Southend (23–30 Aug 2026), from £553pp for a family of four. That’s about £79pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.

It’s a proper classic family hotel with a massive pool, entertainment, and everything geared around easy, no-stress holidays.

Again, the price comes down to perception catching up with reality.

The hotels are good, the weather’s great – but demand hasn’t fully returned yet. So you’re benefiting from that gap.

6. Salou, Costa Dorada, Spain

Salou was massive with British families in the 90s and early 2000s with beaches, family hotels and PortAventura right next door.

And now it’s flying back again in 2026 as families rediscover how easy it is.

I couldn’t ignore this deal – 7 nights at the 4* 4R Playa Park, flying from Birmingham (21–28 Aug 2026), from £408pp for a family of four. That’s just £58pp per night, on a bed & breakfast basis.

This is exactly what Salou does well: simple, well-located hotels with good pools and easy access to everything – and at a really great price too.

And it’s such great value because you’re not paying for extras upfront.

But in Salou, that’s ideal – everything locally is affordable, so you can build your own budget holiday.

5. Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain

Torremolinos is where the British package holiday basically started back in the 60s and 70s.

And in 2026, it’s trending hard again thanks to how easy and reliable it is.

I found a really solid summer option here – 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Apartamentos Bajondillo, flying from Bournemouth (22–29 Aug 2026), from £518pp for a family of four. That’s about £74pp per night, on a self-catering basis.

What makes this one great is the location, as it sits right on the beachfront, with loads nearby, and perfect if you want flexibility with food and spending.

It’s not the cheapest on the list, but you’re paying for convenience – short transfer, loads to do, and no surprises.

4. Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain

Benidorm was the capital of British holidays in the 80s and 90s, and now a whole new generation is discovering it.

Bookings are up again in 2026, especially with younger families and couples.

I found this cracking value deal – 7 nights at the 3* Terralta Apartments, flying from Dublin (23–30 Aug 2026), from £403pp for a family of four. That’s roughly £58pp per night, on a self-catering basis.

It’s ideal for families too, as it’s home to spacious apartments, a big pool, and a quieter location just outside the main strip.

And this one’s cheap simply because Benidorm is built for volume: loads of apartments, loads of competition – which keeps prices low.

Best part is, once you’re there, everything else is cheap too.

3. Sousse, Tunisia

Sousse has always been one of Tunisia’s most popular beach resorts – big hotels, great beaches and loads of all-inclusive options.

And just like the rest of Tunisia, it’s seeing a huge comeback into 2026.

One of the best-value all-inclusive deals I found – 7 nights at the 4* El Ksar Resort & Thalasso, flying from London Southend (16–23 Aug 2026), from £583pp for a family of four. That’s about £83pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.

This is exactly what families want – beachfront setting, slides, big pool areas and everything included from day one.

This is where the value really shows.

Because when everything’s included, you’re not constantly spending – which makes it one of the easiest holidays to budget for.

2. El Arenal, Majorca, Spain

El Arenal was massive in the charter flight era – big beach, loads of hotels and right next to Palma.

And now Majorca, and El Arenal in particular, is firmly back on the rise again in 2026.

I found a peak summer Majorca deal that really stood out – 7 nights at the 3* BLUESEA Costa Verde, flying from Bournemouth (19–26 Aug 2026), from £580pp for a family of four. That’s about £83pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive.

What makes this one work is simplicity – good pool, food included, and a no-frills base in a super easy destination.

It’s slightly pricier because Majorca never really goes out of demand.

But you’re paying for ease – short flight, reliable weather and a destination that just works.

1. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh was one of the BIGGEST British holiday hotspots of the 2000s.

And now it’s making the biggest comeback of all destinations worldwide heading into 2026.

And this is where the value really hits home – 7 nights at the 4* Xperience Saint George Homestay, flying from London Luton (5–12 Aug 2026), from £650pp for a family of four. That’s around £93pp per night, and it’s all-inclusive, in great hotel, with guaranteed heat.

This hotel is built for proper relaxation with multiple pools, loads of food options and everything set up so you barely need to leave. Just turn up, pay for nothing, and leave rested, relaxed and tanned.

And the reason it’s such good value, even in the summer holidays, is simple.

Flights have only relatively recently come back at scale, so demand is still catching up. But the hotels are still world-class.

Which means right now, you’re getting proper 4* all-inclusive… for less than most self-catering holidays in Europe.

IN our trusty motorhome, my family and I have gone across much of Europe – but somehow never quite made it to Germany.

Perhaps that was because of my ill-fated attempts at learning ­German at school, which lasted little more than a term.

But keen to head off the beaten path, we loaded up our Bailey of Bristol Adamo XL-DL and headed for the Bavarian Alps.

Of course, there was the slight worry of “what if it’s not as good as where we usually go?”. Spoiler alert: The Bavarian Alps are brilliant.

And they are a region — and part of a culture — with so much to offer the whole family.

The drive to get there was a little longer than we are used to.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

However, much to my children’s delight, stop-off point Lech Camping coincided with a visit to Legoland Germany, providing all manner of brilliant rides and attractions.

It was also the perfect contrast to what awaited us in the mountains.

Our base was Via Claudia Camping, set on the edge of Lake Lechsee in the Allgau region, which gave us easy access to attractions and impressive views of the mountains.

But the mountains would have to wait, because first on the list was a visit to one of Germany’s most ­famous castles.

Perched dramatically on a prominent hill, and surrounded by dense pine forests, Neuschwanstein Castle is, quite simply, magical.

With its towers, turrets and whimsical balconies straight out of a fairytale, you feel Rapunzel herself would have been right at home here.

That was followed by the charming village of Oberammergau, recommended by our campsite receptionist as the best example of something truly Bavarian.

Here you get Luftlmalerei — the centuries-old tradition of painting murals on the exterior walls of houses — giving the village the air of a living storybook.

Our own tale from the village came in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Walking down a small cobbled street, we noticed a vending machine set into the wall.

Half expecting our children to request some sort of chocolate bar, we were surprised to see it wasn’t filled with the usual confectionery.

Instead, it was stuffed with every manner of German sausage imaginable.

It made shopping for dinner easy and I got to tell my joke about German sausages, which the children insist is the wurst.

Talking of silly humour, I had to giggle at the name of the mountain we were headed to for hiking: Wank (pronounced Vank).

Anyone who has hiked with younger children will know they can be fascinated by every stick, rock and oddly shaped pine cone.

So our pace was on the slow side, but it let us appreciate the beauty of the mountains that surrounded us.

Despite frequent stops to play, rest and satisfy the children’s curiosity, we eventually made it to the top and the traditional summit cross found on Alpine peaks.

Our final reminder of why we should never have left it so long to venture into Germany came courtesy of lake Eibsee, lying at the foot of Germany’s tallest peak, the mighty Zugspitze.

Not even moody skies and the threat of rain could dampen our spirits as we set off, us on foot and the children on their bikes, on the 8km trail that heads around the shore of the lake, with the glacier-clad Zugspitze towering over us.

From fairytale castles and storybook villages with sausage vending machines, to majestic mountains and alpine lakes, Bavaria had surprised us at every turn.

And as we savoured a final sunset in the mountains, it left us with one lingering question: When are we coming back to Germany?

FORGET the white sand beaches of the Caribbean – actress Michelle Keegan has opted for a quiet and beautiful village in Majorca for her latest holiday.

The tiny destination is in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, but is right next to the coast and is within walking distance to a little bay with clear waters.

We’ve all heard of Majorca, the Balearic Island loved by Brits gets over two million visitors every year.

Lots will flock to the capital of Palma, but there are so many other beautiful spots to explore – and Michelle Keegan is exploring it right now.

The former Coronation Street actress posted images of herself enjoying the Spanish sunshine on Instagram.

So what is there to do in the pretty village of Deià?

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The coastal village has the best of both worlds as it’s tucked away in the mountains and is minutes from the coast.

To explore Deià, be prepared to take on a hill or two as visitors do comment on how steep the cobbled streets are, with the highest point being the church.

The roads are narrow too so your best bet to get around is taking a local taxi, walking or hiring a bike.

Just a short walk from the village is Cala Deià, a small pebbly cove that has crystal-clear waters and is popular for swimming and snorkelling.

One visitor said: “It is very rocky but absolutely gorgeous and great for swimming.”

Another added: “This cove is amazing – we are already ready to return.”

If you get peckish, there are cliffside restaurants including Ca’s Patró March and Can Lluc.

Deià is small, and it’s also very exclusive with some pricey hotels like La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel which was previously owned by Richard Branson.

Check out this Majorca hotel near a beautiful beach cove…

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Gavimar Cala Gran Costa Del Sur, Majorca

This hotel sits on Majorca’s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.

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Back in the 1980s Richard Branson transformed the crumbling mansion into a luxury hotel – which he then sold in 2002.

The Belmond Hotel has pretty suites, a swimming pool and is surrounded by palm trees.

Luckily it’s not all luxury hotels. At Hostal Villa Verde which has simple rooms with enviable views, holidaymakers can book a stay from £60 per person per night.

There are lots of local restaurants to try too. One visitor recommended sitting on the terrace at Es Punt to try padrón peppers and patatas bravas.

Another is Restaurante Miró which has a beautiful patio area and visitors have said it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

If you want to explore Deià, head to Majorca’s capital of Palma and from there it’s a 40-minute drive.

Michelle has also shared snaps of her exploring the neighbouring destination of Valldemossa.

It’s another mountain village which sits around Real Cartuja, a huge palace and monastery.

Just like Deià, Valldemossa is considered one of the most beautiful towns and villages in the country.

Michelle and her husband, Mark Wright, are frequent visitors to the island and even have their own apartment in Majorca.

For more hidden gems in Majorca, check out these recommendations from locals including secret bars and cheap beach clubs.

And discover the waterpark hotel where Stacey Solomon went on holiday with Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

A writer visited the stunning Mediterranean island of Gozo, part of Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and incredible scenery just a short flight from the UK

When off to a European destination during the winter months, its impossible to bank on good weather, however far in the Continent you’re planning on going.

Recently, the Liverpool Echo’s Holly Clarke took a chance with the weather and embarked on a journey to the Maltese Archipelago. Not only did she strike gold in meteorological terms, but the Mediterranean island chain proved to be an absolute treasure.

From exploring the streets of the silent city of Mdina to experiencing the energy and activity of the capital city, Valletta, there genuinely is something for everyone, including fantastic nightlife in St Julian’s, the pristine waters of the Blue Lagoon, and sufficient churches on the island for every day of the year.

Holly departed from Manchester Airport at 7am and was wandering around the breathtaking Balluta Bay by 12pm. Flights are also easily accessible from John Lennon Airport and various other airports throughout the UK.

As much as Holly loved Malta, it was its much smaller, lesser-visited neighbour that really stole her heart.

There are three islands which constitute the Republic of Malta: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Whilst Malta has the largest population out of the three at around 574,000, Gozo has just 39,287 residents, with only two inhabitants on the island of Comino.

Before Holly realised it, she was setting off on a ferry to the island of Gozo, which is developing a new £2million airport that’ll make journeys from Malta considerably quicker. For the time being, the ferry is direct and costs approximately 5 Euros for a return ticket.

Within just 20 minutes, she had arrived on the gorgeous, less-frequented island. The 26-square-mile stretch of land is famed for its rugged terrain and spectacular scenery, and it certainly lived up to expectations. It provides everything from excellent seafood, jaw-dropping views, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.

Gozo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its dramatic cliffs and deep valleys. Another bonus of the island is that it boasts 300 days of sunshine – that sealed the deal for Holly!

Numerous tourists spend a night or two on the island, but she was aware she’d only be there for a day, so there was no time to waste. Holly’s chosen mode of transport was a tuk-tuk, provided by Yippee Malta, which she absolutely loved.

Holly was driven around by Joe, who has spent his entire life on the island. As she sat in the rear of the tuk-tuk, Holly marvelled at the gorgeous hills, which brought to mind the striking landscapes of the UK. The main distinction was the azure sky and brilliant yellow orb breaking through the clouds, something she hadn’t witnessed for several months back in England.

First stop, a bay named Mgarr ix Xini for a climbing and abseiling experience, run by Gozo Adventures. It provided the ideal chance to embrace a more adventurous side whilst soaking in the stunning valley panoramas.

Having never climbed previously, it’s reasonable to say Holly’s legs were trembling slightly as she gazed up to the summit of the valley where she was meant to be climbing. But after observing the thorough demonstration from Cornil at Gozo Adventures, Holly gave it her best shot and felt incredible afterwards.

After building up an appetite, it was time for Holly’s favourite aspect of any journey: the cuisine. She jumped in a vehicle and made her way to a restaurant on the marina, Il-Kartell. The seafood establishment was the ideal location for lunch, situated on the waterfront, which provided views of the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.

The restaurant bills itself as “casual dining by the sea”, so she opted for the Linguini Al Kartell and she wasn’t let down. It will rank as one of the most unforgettable pasta dishes she has ever tasted.

It’s evident from just a few brief hours on the island that life there isn’t hurried. Back home, it’s simple to find yourself grabbing a sandwich on the commute to work, or occasionally forgetting to pick up anything at all.

In Malta and Gozo, both residents and tourists spend at least an hour or two enjoying lunch. Beginning with bread and olive oil before diving into a pasta dish and concluding with a double espresso, it was pleasant to find time to decelerate and savour the world a little more.

Nevertheless, there was no opportunity for a mid-afternoon lull as there was so much to explore before the ferry back to Malta. Next on the schedule were the Qbajjar Salt Pans.

The northern coastline is distinguished by a chequerboard of rock-cut saltpans, which are 350-years-old. They are remarkable to observe and are also steeped in history, part of the centuries-old Gozitan tradition of sea-salt production that has been handed down for many generations. On the eastern side of the island lies Għar tal-Mixta. Perched high above Ramla Bay, the cave provided the most stunning panoramic views of the bay and the coastline.

The cave can be accessed via a short 15-minute walk from Ramla Bay beach, and it’s absolutely a must-see on a visit to Gozo if you’re able to make it. Holly entered the cave through a narrow gap in the rocks, then descended a couple of steps to one of the finest views she has ever witnessed.

It was rather crowded with other visitors, even for this time of year, so she patiently waited her turn to capture a photo overlooking the bay.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Gozo without experiencing the iconic Citadel. Situated on a steep hill, the Citadel is a fortified city visible from across the island, towering high in the Gozian skyline.

It is found in Victoria, also referred to as Rabat, the capital of Gozo, and is amongst the island’s most iconic landmarks. The Citadel was formerly a flourishing city before it was converted into a castle in medieval times. Many of the old houses and palaces here have been restored into museums and shops, making it a popular tourist destination.

It’s free to visit, and you could spend hours discovering the fascinating history and exploring its key attractions. We admired the Cathedral of the Assumption, constructed entirely of local limestone. Simply strolling around the Citadel provides panoramic views of the entire island of Gozo. For just 5 Euros, you can also explore the museums and historical sites available. Regrettably, it was time to catch the ferry back to Malta, otherwise she could have easily spent several more hours here.

If Holly had stayed overnight, a sunset viewing at the Citadel or an early morning dip in the crystal-clear waters would have been the perfect end to the trip.

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For more details, go to visitmalta.com/en.

Holly lodged at the Malta Marriot Resort & Spa, with room rates starting from £147.

Ryanair operates flights from Manchester Airport to Malta starting at £42, and from Liverpool John Lennon starting at £32.

KM Malta Airlines provides flights from Heathrow to Malta starting at £111 and from Gatwick starting at £86.

Afghan authorities say a Pakistani attack killed hundreds of civilians; Islamabad rejects claim as ‘false’.

Families have gathered outside a drug treatment centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, looking for their loved ones after it was hit in a Pakistani air strike, which Taliban authorities said killed 408 people.

The attack on Kabul’s Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital took place at about 9pm local time (16:30 GMT) on Monday.

Baryalai Amiri, a 38-year-old mechanic, was at the 2,000-bed facility on Tuesday to look for his brother, who was admitted about 25 days ago.

“We are not given the proper information,” Amiri told the AFP news agency, as rescuers picked through the rubble nearby. “So far, we don’t know where he is.”

Afghanistan and Pakistan have been in conflict for months, with Islamabad accusing its neighbour of harbouring armed groups that have mounted deadly cross-border attacks.

The latest round of violence that began last month⁠, two days before the world’s focus shifted sharply to the US-Israel war on Iran, is the worst ever between the neighbours.

The two nations share a 2,600km (1,600-mile) border. The conflict had ebbed amid attempts by friendly countries, including China, to mediate and end the fighting before flaring up again.

Pakistan denied Afghan claims that its latest attack targeted civilians, instead insisting that it carried out precision strikes on “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure”.

“Pakistan’s targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said. Islamabad dismissed the claim as “false and aimed at misleading public opinion”.

The health authorities said there were about 3,000 patients from across Afghanistan at the clinic at the time of the attack, which triggered panic in Kabul just after residents had broken their daily Ramadan fast.

The United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was “dismayed” by reports of the air raids and civilian casualties.

“I urge parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint & respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects such as hospitals,” he posted on X.

‘It was like doomsday’

A spokesman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday that the attack killed 408 people and injured 265.

Witnesses said they heard three explosions just as people in the hospital were completing evening prayers. Two of the bombs struck rooms and patient areas, they said.

“The whole place caught fire. It was like doomsday,” 50-year-old Ahmad told the Reuters news agency.

“My friends were burning in the fire, and we could not save them all,” he said, giving only his first name as he was under treatment at the facility.

Ambulance driver Haji Fahim told Reuters that he arrived at the site shortly after the air raids.

“When I arrived [last night], I saw that everything was burning, people were burning,” Fahim said on Tuesday. “Early in the morning, they called me again and told ⁠me to come back because there are still bodies under the rubble.”

The clinic was established in 2016 and has treated hundreds of people, also providing them with vocational training, such as tailoring and carpentry, to make them employable, according to local media reports.

With its ancient church ruins and historic houses, walkers and history enthusiasts flock to see the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village

Tourists flock from far and wide to witness the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village. Wharram Percy has stood empty for hundreds of years and now provides a captivating destination for ramblers and heritage buffs.

Tucked away in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy ranks amongst Britain’s largest deserted medieval settlements and is certainly the most celebrated. Guests can wander freely across the ancient site, exploring the vestiges of centuries-old dwellings, a church, and manor house remains.

Perfectly positioned midway between crowd-pulling destinations Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it proves an ideal pit stop when travelling between these two landmarks. Whilst admission to the settlement is complimentary, visitors face a modest £2 parking fee.

Throughout a remarkable 60-year span, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fresh insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the location was originally forsaken and how residents lived during earlier eras.

Situated on a Yorkshire valley’s rim, this extraordinary settlement was home to communities for as long as six hundred years before being abandoned following the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, traces of former dwellings remain visible in the earth, alongside the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive sightseers.

The history requires some unpacking, but specialists reckon the first settlement stretches back to around 50 BC. This territory was later converted into agricultural land but remained abandoned throughout the 5th century, before ultimately evolving into a Middle Saxon community.

It’s worth bearing in mind that accessing the village involves approximately a 3/4 mile trek from the car park to the principal area, which is often both precipitous and waterlogged. The location presents uneven ground across its entirety, which can prove difficult for certain visitors and is largely impractical for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A TripAdvisor reviewer emphasised this point, noting: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

They proceeded to characterise it as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” expedition unsuitable for those with restricted mobility, as the path traverses farmland.

After their excursion, one enthusiast commended their experience, remarking: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

Another visitor commented: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

From bike hire to spa escapes and lodge stays, this Center Parcs review shares everything families need to know about the popular UK break

Center Parcs had been on our radar for some time; a getaway promising relaxation without the hassle of airports. However, I hadn’t anticipated just how much the experience would focus on unwinding and quality family time.

The absolute highlight for the children was cycling everywhere. We collected our bikes on site (though, if you have room you can also bring your own) and it quickly became our primary mode of transport – and some of the most unforgettable moments of our stay.

Not a mobile phone or tablet in sight. Without even trying, we slipped into a slower pace, chatting as we pedalled, pausing for snacks and savouring our time together.

Even sporadic rain didn’t dampen our spirits.

READ MORE: I visited Pureseoul’s K-beauty store and found hidden gems – it’s heaven for the skincare obsessed!’

Family time and adult time

Center Parcs is designed with families in mind, but it’s easy to carve out some adult time. I managed to escape to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the village.

The treetop sauna was my standout spot, and a full body massage was the reset I didn’t realise I needed.

But what I adored was the balance. There’s an endless array of activities to keep children entertained – including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with indoor and outdoor pools, and rapids.

But there are also tranquil spaces to unwind without missing out on family time. In the Sports Cafe, for example, we could sneak in the Arsenal game, whilst the kids amused themselves on arcades.

Where we stayed

The lodge played a significant role in how relaxed the break felt. Luxuriating in one of the newly refurbished Grand Forest lodges, it’s clear they’re designed with families in mind.

In the kitchen, everything was designed to make cooking a breeze, with ample worktop space and storage. I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and there are plenty of other options on site if you’d rather not cook at all) but we relish cooking as a family, so having a clear, user-friendly space to do it in made a world of difference – instead of one of us being cooped up in the kitchen whilst the rest of the clan were enjoying themselves.

After action-packed days, it was lovely to cook together and settle down for an evening of board games or a film, whilst ducks would come and tap on the patio doors, much to my daughter’s sheer joy.

All the best things to eat

We stayed for three nights and cooked twice in the lodge, keeping evenings chilled and costs low (Stock up on supermarket essentials before you arrive; there’s a shop on site for extras, but it’s a bit steep).

For our dining out experience, we booked The Dozing Duck – an absolute treat. It boasts shuffleboard tables so the four of us divided into teams for some friendly rivalry.

Book ahead on the app where you plan your stay.

How to book a Centre Parcs break

Two-bedroom Grand Forest Lodge from £799 for a Mon-to-Fri stay. Three-bedroom Woodland Premium Lodge also from £799 – ideal for larger families who need a bit more space.

Breaks run Mon to Fri, or Fri to Mon. Book at centerparcs.co.uk.

A hidden gem on the UK’s coast boasts sparkling waters, golden sands and a breathtaking landscape, as well as a section popular with naturists

A beautiful beach with glistening waters that wouldn’t look out of place on a travel brochure for the Mediterranean has been named the best in the country.

As the warmer months draw near, there’s no better moment to pencil in a ‘beach day’ in your diary. And if you are, one magnificent location that is well worth a visit is Botany Bay.

The Kent beach consistently receives Blue Flag status, which is a recognised national mark of cleanliness and upkeep. But it’s not just a tidy, sewage-free spot. Botany Bay was recently crowned the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast

“Kent’s beaches make for a perfect day trip for down-from-Londoners, but many sunseekers opt for the likes of Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay as they’re close to lots of family-friendly amenities. Stray off the beaten track slightly and be rewarded with Botany Bay’s gorgeous sands and clear, shallow waters. Head down the main path and take a right to the buzzier side where in-the-know families set up base with cooler boxes and chunky picnic blankets, or stroll left for a more peaceful afternoon—things take a nudist turn at the far end,” the travel publication wrote.

When the tide retreats, Botany Bay unveils vast stretches of sand and offers the chance to explore its fascinating rock pools. The landscape is utterly captivating, with the bay bordered by iconic white cliffs and chalk formations.

The wide beach and amazing scenery have made it a favourite with casting directors. In recent years, it has been used by productions such as BBC’s D-Day: The Last Heroes, Tamil action drama Thaandavam, Sky Atlantic comedy Hunderby, BBC drama True Love, as well as music videos for Bat for Lashes, Bebe Black and Shawn Mendes.

Land Rover, Sainsbury’s and NatWest have also borrowed its good looks for adverts.

Another group with many big fans of the beach is the naturist community. The Foreness area at the western end of the beach is popular with those who enjoy getting their kit off, although the area does not have an official designation as a naturist beach. Thanet District Council has considered putting up signs to inform or warn non-nudists of the possibility of encountering naturists, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Those keen to take a dip should know that there’s lifeguard supervision between May 24 and September 7, from 10am until 6pm. And pet owners will be delighted to learn their four-legged companions are welcome on the beach beyond these hours, from May 1 through to September 30.

Getting to the bay, which was crowned the UK’s most photographed beach last February, is straightforward, thanks to the well-established route from the cliff top, or the concrete walkway near the water station at the seaward end.

The bay’s water quality has received an ‘excellent’ rating for swimming in 2024, maintaining the impressive standards recorded in recent years.

If you do visit, make sure you plan the time of your arrival well. Low tide exposes fascinating rock pools and enables access to **Kingsgate Bay**. The local authority has shared advice for beachgoers and adventurers: “When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay’s shape the ends are cut off at high tide.”

If all of this wasn’t reason enough to visit, then the fact Botany Bay is in one of the best seaside towns in the country: Broadstairs. You can read about our recent visit to the town here.