pools

STAYING in the UK for October half-term sounds like the smart, budget-conscious choice… until you sit down and crunch the numbers.

Between filling the fridge, shelling out for soft play, buying fuel for days out and those innocent-looking theme park trips that somehow cost £50 before you’ve even passed through the turnstiles, you could easily spend hundreds in a week.

And that’s before the mental toll of cooking three meals a day, clearing up the constant mess and playing full-time entertainment director.

So, I did the maths on another option – cheap resorts with all-inclusive packages for October half-term, starting from £255pp or £51 a night.

With accommodation, meals and selected snacks and drinks included, as well as free childcare at some resort hotels, flying abroad starts to look like something worth pricing up against your half-term plans at home.

Here are the seven best-value resorts I’d be searching for this October half term – and someone else can handle the cooking.

7. Kusadasi, Turkey – from £433pp

Kusadasi gives families an all-inclusive holiday and a change of scenery from the usual Spanish resorts.

It also gives you plenty of scope for time outdoors, with an average October daytime high of 24C.

My pick of hotels for October was the Grand Blue Sky International.

It has pools, (including a children’s pool), play areas and a club advertised for children aged four to twelve.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style as part of its All Inclusive programme, with a later breakfast option if the family pulls off the rare miracle of sleeping in.

At £408pp, this is the priciest of the seven, but it gets you five nights at a mega-resort, with flights and meals included. Not bad.

6. Albufeira, the Algarve – from £378pp

Albufeira is a good fit for an autumn break that mixes beach time with getting out and exploring.

The October daytime high is 23C, ideal for a walk along the beach or an afternoon in the brilliant bars of Albufeira’s old town.

Grand Muthu Forte da Oura is around 750 metres from Praia da Oura beach, with a main pool, children’s pool and playground.

And its stellar all-inclusive programme covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks and selected locally produced drinks.

Lunch and dinner can be buffet-style or served from a set menu, but either way, having those meals accounted for makes your spending money easier to plan.

There is also free childcare year round – check availability before booking.

The five-night deal I found here was just £378pp, with flights, accommodation and all-inclusive food and drinks chucked in.

5. Callao Salvaje, Tenerife – from £330pp

As you’d expect, Tenerife has the highest October average on this list.

With an average daytime high of 27C in October, Callao Salvaje is a strong pick when maximum warmth is what you’re after.

I found a great deal at BLUESEA Callao Garden here.

The apartment-style accommodation has three outdoor pools and activities including mini golf and table tennis.

Its all-inclusive board includes buffet meals, so there’s less need to hunt for somewhere to eat whenever somebody gets hungry.

And for all of this – guaranteed October heat, all you can eat and drink, return flights and your accommodation sorted – you’ll only need to part with £330pp.

4. Benidorm, Costa Blanca – from £325pp

Benidorm makes family time in the sun easy – you’ve got massive beaches, promenades that aren’t a nightmare with a pushchair and plenty to see without committing to a full day’s excursion.

And the weather’s great too, with an average October daytime high of 25C.

I wouldn’t look much further than the highly-rated Hotel Cuco, just ten minutes’ walk from Poniente Beach.

Its buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes with show cooking, and there’s a decent pool at the hotel too.

There’s a mini club for the little ones, as well as a rooftop pool bar which mum and dad might have more interest in exploring.

I found a deal for five nights this October for only £325pp, all-inclusive – that’s mega value for half-term.

3. Oropesa del Mar, Costa del Azahar – from £293pp

If your family wants proper entertainment rather than five quiet days by the pool, Oropesa del Mar could be the perfect pick.

With an average October daytime high of 24C, you get great conditions for getting out, topping up the Vitamin D and working on your tan.

And this hotel’s something special for both adults and kids too.

Magic Fantasy Hotel goes big on the family theme, with fantasy-inspired rooms and a Pirates Buffet serving Spanish and international food with a children’s section.

Over the October break there’s live entertainment, costume contests, and the waterparks fully open. 

At £293pp for five nights all-inclusive, you’re getting flights, meals and plenty to get your teeth into for the week before you’ve planned a single day out.

2. La Pineda, Costa Dorada – from £283pp

La Pineda makes family days super-straightforward.

Its long, flat beach gives everyone room to spread out, and the resort has an average October daytime high of 22C.

Not boiling, but that’s plenty of warmth for time on the sand, whether or not anyone fancies getting in the sea…

Gran Hotel La Hacienda is around 550 metres from the beach and has pools and a mini club for younger guests.

Meals are served buffet-style at its Riviera Maya restaurant, taking the daily “where shall we eat?” discussion off your hands, thank God.

PortAventura World is nearby too if you fancy a theme park day out, though tickets cost extra.

And the five-night all-inclusive package I found comes in at £283pp. Bargain.

1. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £255pp

My number one pick, Lloret de Mar, gives you beaches, coastal walks and a town to explore with the kids.

October’s average daytime high is around 22C.

That’s a comfortable temperature for a beach stroll or an afternoon exploring the Costa Brava without worrying about caking the kids in sun cream every ten minutes.

Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort has several pools, children’s clubs for different age groups and buffet restaurants serving Mediterranean, Italian and Catalan dishes, including loads of great options for children.

Its aquapark is the star of the show though with enough slides and features to keep the kids busy all week.

At £255pp, or £51 a night, this is the cheapest five-night all-inclusive deal I found too, and the one I’d personally be booking.

DISNEY has revealed what to expect onboard its huge new ship, Disney Believe from new restaurants to one-of-a-kind performances.

Launching in late 2027, it will be the ninth ship, and the fourth in the Wish class alongside Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.

Onboard will be 7 swimming pools, splash areas, food outlets and restaurants, character meet-and-greets as well as Disney-first experiences.

Something that guests won’t be able to see anywhere is the Encanto musical which will debut exclusively on Disney Believe – and it’s a world first.

Other performances joining the line-up for onboard entertainment are Broadway-style shows, Tangled: The Musical and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Returning will be the fan-favourite Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party which is a nighttime spectacular with a live rock band and fireworks at sea.

SAIL AWAY

Much-loved Disney cruise to launch from the UK for the first time EVER

FANTASY LIFE

I went on my first Disney cruise with champagne bars and West End-style shows

There will also be a Zootropolis-inspired entertainment hub called Gazelle where during the day it will hold trivia, games, and a family show alongside Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

In the evening, Gazelle will be open for adult-only entertainment which includes silent discos and variety acts.

There are some other strictly adult zones including Sea Notes, a piano lounge inspired by Ariel’s grotto.

The relaxed Wishing Well lounge is centered around its own castle courtyard where adults can relax and enjoy mocktails, cocktails, spirits, and coffees while musical performances take place.

Skygazers is a new observatory-themed pub serving up custom-made craft brews, cocktails and snacks.

Returning venues will include the Haunted Mansion Parlour, Arnaud Lallement, Quiet Cove as well as the Senses Spa, Untangled Salon, and Hook’s Barbery.

When it comes to dining, there will be a brand-new restaurant onboard the Disney believe called Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast.

While guests are eating, characters like Oaken, Anna and Kristoff will perform renditions of songs from the soundtrack.

Another option is 1923 which is onboard the sister ships which celebrates Disney animation and Worlds of Marvel.

Sweet treats can be bought from Inside Out: Joyful Sweets which has nearly 20 flavors of gelato and ice cream.

Two new cafes will be onboard, the first is Big Hero Sips which is inspired by San Fransokyo from Disney Big Hero 6.

Meanwhile, Café Kakamora is focused on Moana – and both will serve up coffee, tea and other specialty drinks.

On the upper deck will be an open-air food court called Mickey and Friends Festival of Dining where guests can choose from barbeque, cantina bowls and salads, pizza, burgers and ice cream.

Pluto’s Pita Platters is one of the new stalls serving up Mediterranean-inspired foods from kebabs to pittas.

Like on Disney’s other ships, there will be clubs for kids, tweens and teens called 2319 with dedicated space for children between 3-17.

At “it’s a Small World” Nursery families can use babysitting services for little ones between six months to three years old.

The ship will have classic staterooms with most having ocean views and 450 are interconnecting which is suitable for larger families.

There will be four royal suites on Believe where guests can step into the world of fairytales – some inspired by The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast.

The Believe Tower Suite is exclusive to the ship and has been called a ‘one-of-a-kind suite for dreamers’.

It’s two-storeys, nearly 2,000-square-foot and sleeps up to eight people – it has two main bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms.

The views will be unbeatable thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Disney Believe will offer four and five-night sailings from south Florida to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

During its journey it will make stops at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

The very first sailing will be on December 18, 2027 – in the meantime, you can book Disney Wish holidays that sail from Southampton – so no long flights.

And the new Disney Believe is just one of many new additions coming to the Disney attractions.

Disneyland Paris is getting a new Lion King log flume as well as the Up-themed Wilderness Explores Sky Swings.

An entire Villains Land will open at Magic Kingdom at Disney World, with a Maleficent rollercoaster and Magic Mirror dark ride.

Two new Cars rides, as well as an Indiana Jones and Encanto ride will be part of the expansion too.

THE UK’s biggest waterpark is about to be the best place to start your weekend.

Sandcastle Waterpark, which is the largest and recently voted best in the country will be open for more hours of fun on Friday evenings.

The Blackpool waterpark has launched its Friday Night Splash event, so now you can spend your evening on its 18 slides and in the swimming pool.

Usually the waterpark is open is until 2:30pm in the week and 4pm on the weekends.

But the new Friday sessions will let you visit from 4pm until 8pm, for a post-work splash before the weekend.

The tropical waterpark, which is always heated to 28C, has something for everyone whether you’re after family-friendly splash zones or thrilling flumes.

SPLASH OUT

UK indoor waterparks MAPPED with 30C temps, white-knuckle rides & £2.50 tickets

DIVE IN

Rainproof UK autumn holiday parks from £8pp a night – Center Parcs dupes and more

There are 18 slides in total, and those wanting to try out the speedy rides should head to The Master Blaster which is described as “white knuckle”.

There’s also Sidewinder, the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide and Montazooma, a high-speed ride with hairpin bends and 360 degree helixes on the way from top to bottom.

For families, head to Thunderfalls, which are two twisting waterslides for side-by-side racing.

There are also treehouses and forts for kids to play in and that’s where you’ll find the country’s biggest water cannon.

The slower moving Ushi Gushi River Creek is the lazy river ride while the Typhoon Lagoon is the waterpark’s huge wave pool.

While the kids are splashing about, adults can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa for an extra £7 to unwind in the sauna, steam room, and aromatherapy lounge.

For the ultimate VIP day out, the £60 Tiki Cabana package gets you park entry, lunch and soft drinks, spa access, and the private retreat comes with a TV and hot tub.

Tickets to the waterpark for a three-hour session costs from £25.50 per person over the age of eight (if booked in advance).

Tickets for kids between three and seven-years-old cost from £16.50 per person and children under three go free.

The waterpark is two minutes from Blackpool Pleasure Beach – so it’s easy to make a day out of it and see all the attractions.

The main season runs until October 31, with opening dates from Wednesday to Sunday – this drops down to just weekends after this.

For even more of the UK’s tropical indoor waterparks – check out these ones which have tickets from £2.50.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recently visited the waterpark…

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recently visited Sandcastle and gave her verdict…

She said: “Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is kept at a toasty 29C and has more than 18 waterslides and attractions.

“The real gem of the show is the adult-only spa, hidden in plain sight in the middle of the waterpark.

“You’ll have to pay an extra £7.50 per person to enter the Sea Breeze Spa but it is well worth the money.

“When I visited it was quiet, with only one or two other people using the area, compared to the packed waterpark surrounding it.

“Dipping in and out of the saunas and steam room was the ideal way to relax.

“I spent half an hour in the salt inhalation room allowing my lungs to fill with warm, salty air and calm my nervous system.

“There’s Sidewinder too, which is the world’s first indoor vertical drop slide.

“Hovering over the edge of the half-pipe, butterflies flittered around my stomach anticipating the drop.

“Before I knew it, I was tipped over the edge in my rubber ring, dropping metres down before being propelled up the other side of the pipe.

“After, I ambled over to Aztec Falls, where in a rubber ring I dropped into a pitch-black bowl, swirling around like I was inside a waterfall.“

FROM brand-new swimming pools to restaurants, bars and adventure activities – some holiday parks are undergoing major upgrades.

What’s even better is that they’re still as cheap as ever to book with some costing as little as £7pppn.

Unity Holidays Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire

Back in July, Unity Holidays‘ Skirlington Coast in Yorkshire was given the green light for a major £20million glow up.

There will be upgraded dining spots and leisure facilities, as well as a new entertainment zone and outdoor pool surrounded by sunloungers.

Kids aren’t left out either, with a new splash pad including a children’s pool.

Other additions will be new pavilion home to restaurants, along with fairground attractions and cabanas.

ROME FREE

Ten cheap autumn city breaks from £59pp with £1.40 pints, 28C & thermal spas

DIVE IN

Rainproof UK autumn holiday parks from £8pp a night – Center Parcs dupes and more

Accommodation at the park will be expanded as well, with 92 new caravans planned for the site – currently it has 680 caravans and 400 pitches for tents.

A spokesman for Unity Holidays said: “We thank the council’s planning committee for approving our application to redevelop the land on our park currently occupied by Skirlington Market, as well as the buildings on that land used by the market.

“We look forward to commencing work on that project as soon as possible, which will see us add indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities as well as re-landscaping the entire area.”

There’s plenty open already at Skirlington Coast holiday park if you fancy booking a break sooner rather than later.

A family of four can book a four-night stay the holiday park from £119 in a Bronze 2 Bed Caravan this October.

If you want to wait it out, the price is the same for a stay in May 2027.

Parkdean Resorts, UK

If you’re looking for a holiday park break next year, then two Parkdean Resorts are getting major makeovers for spring 2027.

It’s part of a £10million upgrade across multiple sites – those which have already undergone transformations include Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth.

Next on the list is Thorness Bay on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight.

One of its new additions will be the Hat-Tricks Sports Bar which is a family-friendly spot which will have pool and darts.

Joe’s American Grill is its new dining spot and there will be Minigolf & Adventure Activities which include high ropes, low ropes and climbing wall.

The second resort undergoing an upgrade is Skipsea Sands in East Riding of Yorkshire.

On its Facebook account, Skipsea Sands Holiday Park revealed: “Skipsea Sands Holiday Park is getting a multi-million pound makeover, bringing even more to see, do, eat and enjoy from Spring 2027!

“Here’s a little taste of what’s coming… Exciting new activities and adventures, More ways to splash, play and have fun, New and improved family experiences, Even more indoor and outdoor fun, whatever the weather.”

It will be getting a Clip & Climb wall, Bear Grylls Escape Rooms and Fairground Golf.

You can book for 2027 already if you want to get ahead of the game.

A family of four can book to stay in a Bronze 2 Bedroom Caravan at Skipsea Sands (which sleeps up to six) from £128 in May 2027.

Lyons Robin Hood, Wales

Lyons has announced new planned investment at one of its biggest sites which is Lyons Robin Hood in Rhyl.

The firm has invested more than £1million at its Rhyl site this year and opened a brand-new Altitude Adventure Hub in May.

New activities included Altitude Aerial Adventure, Nitro Go Kart Track, Mini Aerial Adventure, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and bouncy pillows.

A new adventure-playground also opened earlier this year too – and there are still more upgrades to come.

A spokesperson said: “We’re excited to announce further investment coming to Lyons Robin Hood for the 2027 season.

“As part of our continued commitment to investing in the park and enhancing the experience for our owners and their families, we’re investing in our gym facilities for 2027.

“It’s another exciting addition to a growing list of investments designed to make your time at Lyons Robin Hood even better.”

For more on new openings, here are all the destinations set to be big in 2027 with the opening of new theme park lands and luxe holiday parks.

A family of four can getaway this October across four-nights in a Silver 3 Bedroom Caravan from £123.

Or book a getaway for April next year from £99 in a Bronze 3 Bedroom Caravan – which works out as £6.19pppn.