resorts

Iconic English resort’s pleasure pier is forced to CLOSE for ‘essential works’

AN ICONIC English pleasure pier has been forced to close while “essential works” take place this month.

The seaside structure shut today but is expected to reopen soon.

Long pier over calm water with distant houses and hills under a clear sky.
Weymouth Pleasure Pier in Dorset is closing while essential repairs take place Credit: Dorset Council

Weymouth Pleasure Pier will be closed for two weeks while essential surfacing repairs are carried out.

A refurbishment of the beach access steps is also set to take place during this period, while the new handrails will be finished off too.

Dorset Council has said that the beach access will be open in time for the town’s annual Ironman event, which will take place on Sunday, September 20.

News of the closure was shared via the council’s Facebook page in a post that read: “A reminder that the Weymouth Pleasure Pier will be closed for two weeks from Monday 7 September while surfacing works are completed along the wall.”

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It continued: “The beach access steps at the end of the wall will also be closed during this period to enable refurbishment works and completion of the new handrails.

“The beach access steps will be reopened ahead of the Ironman event taking place in Weymouth.

The council thanked residents for their “understanding and cooperation” while the essential works are carried out.

Weymouth Pleasure Pier was previously closed for seven weeks between June and July for more “essential maintenance”.

The site was shut down over the summer months to replace failing harbour walls and safeguard the seafront for the future.

The repairs are part of a wider plan in place to address longstanding deterioration in the seafront defences around the peninsula.

Other problem areas including corrosion and voids behind existing harbour walls, and small sinkholes near footpaths also cropped up in investigations.

Previous repair work to the structures was last completed in 1970, meaning they were no longer viable for withstanding pressure from rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges.

Work has been carried out to strengthen the existing structures to ensure they can serve their purpose for decades to come.

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From cliffside rooms to private island resorts

THE best hotels in the world have been revealed from luxury resorts to former celebrity escapes in LA.

Two that are in the UK have also made the cut – one in London and the other in Scotland.

The World Best Hotels have been named – including San Pietro di Positano in Italy Credit: Unknown
The Beverly Hills Hotel is another in the top 100 Credit: bevhillshotel / instagram

The list has been drafted by The World’s 50 Best who have released the best hotels from 51-100.

If you want to know The World’s 50 Best Hotels from 1-50, these will be revealed on September 15.

Landing at number 56 is the Rosewood London which is a luxury hotel in Covent Garden.

In the rooms, guests can enjoy fluffy bathrobes, even choose their own pillows and take advantage of 24-hour-in-room dining.

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Inside the Junior Suite is a marble bathroom with a tub and walk-in shower and a personal bar.

The hotel currently offers an immersive afternoon tea inspired by the works of Claude Monet.

It has its own Pie Room as well which as it suggests in the name is dedicated to pie making – guests can book private dining or even give it a go themselves in a pie masterclass.

The Scarfes Bar has a Heroes and Villains-style cocktail menu with specially curated drinks with names like Diva and Foul Play.

When the sun shines, spritzes and Italian pizzas can be enjoyed on the Mediterranean terrace.

The other UK entry comes in 100th position and it’s Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland.

Hotel das Cataratas is the only luxury resort next to Iguazu Falls Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The 232-room hotel boasts 10 restaurants and bars ranging from fine dining to casual spots like The Chicken Coop and organised picnics.

It has luxurious bedrooms and suites with a “mix of homeliness and glamour.”

Outdoorsy guests can make the most of the activities, with everything from falconry and archery to horse riding and off-road driving available.

It’s known as one of the best places to golf too with three of the top courses in Scotland.

Plenty of other impressive hotels made the list too – some of the most beautiful include Il San Pietro di Positano.

The beautiful five-star hotel in Italy is literally carved into the cliffside.

It even has its own lift which guests can take down to the private beach, there’s also a tennis court by the water.

For swimming, there’s a beautiful pool with a sun terrace looking over the sea.

Gleneagles in Scotland is surrounded by sprawling golf courses Credit: Michael Schofield
The Rosewood in Covent Garden is another of the world’s best Credit: Unknown

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a Hollywood classic that featured on the cover of the Eagles album, Hotel California.

Found on Sunset Boulevard, the famous hotel is as LA as it gets – surrounded by palm trees with Barbie pink accents and even its own red carpet.

Rooms range from Hollywood glamour-style Superior Rooms to restored bungalows – one of which was a favourite of frequent guest, Marilyn Monroe.

There are over 100 Four Seasons hotels across the world and two have made the list.

The one in Hong Kong boasts views across the skyline and Victoria Harbour from a rooftop infinity pool.

It has three fine-dining restaurants and plenty of luxury touches.

The second Four Seasons on the list is in La Manzanilla and it’s super luxurious reachable only by private plane or boat.

It has beachfront casitas and hillside villas with regular sightings of humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles from private plunge pools.

The Italian hotel in Positano has a unique sea front tennis court Credit: ilsanpietrodipositano / instagram
The Four Seasons in Hong Kong has an infinity pool with skyline views Credit: Seet, Ken

Another private resort to make it onto the list is Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.

It’s found on an island called Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll with huge villas, open-air bathrooms with plenty of experiences all arranged by a barefoot butler – shoes aren’t a thing here.

Hotel das Cataratas is the only luxury resort situated inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park right next to Iguassu Falls.

Guests even get special entry to the waterfalls before the park opens and after it closes to visitors.

It also has a huge outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and spa.

The list of the World’s Best Hotels…

Here is the list of the World’s Best Hotels – from 51-100…

  • La Réserve Paris, Paris
  • Janu Tokyo, Tokyo
  • Park Hyatt Tokyo, Tokyo
  • Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
  • Soneva Fushi, Maldives
  • Rosewood London, London
  • Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
  • Il San Pietro di Positano, Positano
  • Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Splendido, Portofino
  • Mandapa, Bali
  • Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino
  • Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama City
  • Hotel Esencia, Tulum
  • The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
  • Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
  • Montage Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas
  • Forestis Dolomites, Brixen
  • The Okura, Tokyo
  • Rosewood Bangkok, Bangkok
  • Amangalla, Galle
  • Ritz Paris, Paris
  • Palace Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo
  • Four Seasons Tamarindo, La Manzanilla
  • La Mamounia, Marrakech
  • Maçakızı, Bodrum
  • Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls
  • The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York
  • Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto
  • Carlton Cannes, Cannes
  • Capella Hanoi, Hanoi
  • Huka Lodge, Taupō
  • The Calile, Brisbane
  • Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
  • Hoshinoya Tokyo, Tokyo
  • Four Seasons Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Aman New York, New York
  • Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
  • Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Osaka
  • Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, Shenzhen
  • Villa Treville, Positano
  • The Greenwich Hotel, New York
  • The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
  • The Johri, Jaipur
  • Reschio, Lisciano Niccone
  • Wynn Palace, Macau
  • Capella Singapore, Singapore
  • The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
  • The Peninsula Shanghai, Shanghai
  • Gleneagles, Auchterarder



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Five best Spanish resorts that families are raving about from former fishing villages to sheltered bays

Collage of a beach scene with palm trees and sunbathers, and a pinned photo of a bay with resort buildings and a sandy beach.

FIVE fantastic Spanish holiday resorts have topped a list of our favourite holiday destinations this summer.

Online travel giant LoveHolidays studied the reviews from thousands of customers who have travelled since the schools broke up.

Ardiaca Beach in Cambrils, Spain, with palm trees, sunbathers, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Cambrils in Costa Dorada came top Credit: Alamy
A scenic view of Santa Ponsa Beach in Mallorca with turquoise water, a sandy beach lined with umbrellas and sun loungers, and hotels and resorts built into the surrounding hills.
Santa Ponsa in Majorca Credit: Getty

Families were asked to rate their hotels out of five across seven key criteria: holiday experience, location, service, value for money, cleanliness, facilities and food and drink.

The Costa Dorada resort of Cambrils took the top spot with a score of 4.55 out of five, followed by Santa Ponsa in Majorca; Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote; Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.

“Families have a shortlist of destinations they know and trust,” says Al Murray from loveholidays.

“But our ranking shows some of the strongest hotel experiences are happening in resort towns people might be less familiar with.

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“That’s why the customer reviews we’re now sharing on our hotel listings are so useful. They give people access to real-time feedback from other LoveHolidays travellers, making the all-important decisions of where to go and which hotel to pick that bit easier.”

Here, we’ve dug into the details as to why each destination scored so highly – and there’s a great deal for each one so you can try yourself this autumn.

Cambrils, Costa Dorada

This former fishing village has a strong reputation for seafood and Catalan cuisine so it’s no surprise it scored well for food and drink, earning an average of 4.53 from guests.

Families were also impressed with the location of hotels in the area, with a score of 4.76, and service, at 4.63.

Seven nights’ B&B at the 3* H10 Cambrils Playa is from £279pp including flights from Luton on October 17.

Santa Ponsa, Majorca

Families gave hotels in the town 4.51 and scored the destination high for holiday experience (4.61) and location (4.78) thanks to its sheltered bay, walkable seafront and easy access to Palma.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Residence Mallorca Portofino by Pierre et Vacances is from £179pp including Stansted flights on October 15.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

The resort’s mix of beaches, marina and seafront restaurants scored highly at 4.41 with hotels in the town rated well on location (4.56), holiday experience (4.53) and service (4.51).

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Hyde Park Lane is from £219pp including flights from Southend on December 2.

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

With an overall score of 4.40, hotels here stood out for food and drink, earning the highest score at 4.75, reflecting its growing reputation for quality dining.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Holiday Club Puerto Calma is from £189pp including Stansted flights on September 16.

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Fuengirola scored 4.34 and hotels were rated well across the board, with strong numbers for holiday experience (4.34), cleanliness (4.60) and location (4.46).

Seven nights’ room-only at the 3* Ilunion Miramar is from £179p including flights from Luton on October 27.

Prices may not include luggage or transfers. See loveholidays.com.

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I took my family on a quaint UK farm stay with nearby beaches, castles and activity resorts

Collage of a beach in Wales with four instant photos showing a man with a bird of prey, a domed building surrounded by flowers, a castle ruin, and children playing by a lake.

IT’S half nine at night on the summer solstice.

The light is doing the golden hour thing it only does in June, and my four-year-old is scattering dragonflies as she launches herself into the cold water.

Cefn Sidan, an eight-mile stretch of sand that was the first beach in Wales to win a Blue Flag Credit: Getty
The National Botanic Garden of Wales, just over half an hour’s drive from the farm, was one of the most relaxing family days out we’ve ever done Credit: Getty

“Can we go in the ‘cold pool’ again?” she asks the next morning. Again. She has asked roughly 200 times this week.

The pool in question is the natural swim pond at Tanylan Farm, on the coast road between Ferryside and Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire.

We stayed in Ty Llo (Calf House), one of a handful of holiday barns on site — and the pool was the single best thing that has ever happened to my daughter.

Rain or shine, morning or night, she was in it.

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There was a sauna next to it for the grown-ups, a private hot tub outside our holiday cottage, and the beach was 400 yards down the lane.

My wife and I, our daughter and baby son had travelled by train to Swansea then picked up a hire car and made our way to Carmarthenshire — that bit of Wales everyone drives past on the way to Pembrokeshire. Their loss.

On day one, the sun was out so we visited Pembrey Country Park — 500 acres of woodland backing on to Cefn Sidan, an eight-mile stretch of sand that was the first beach in Wales to win a Blue Flag.

The sand is absurdly fine and the water so shallow that by mid- afternoon it had warmed up like a paddling pool.

Kidwelly Castle, of Monty Python movie fame Credit: Getty
Our final stop was the British Bird of Prey Centre Credit: Supplied

For small children, it is close to perfect.

The park itself is the showstopper, though.

There’s a dry ski slope, a toboggan run, crazy golf, a pirate adventure playground and miles of flat, traffic-free cycling on rental bikes.

We arrived planning to stay two hours and left after seven.

Next day, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, just over half an hour’s drive from the farm, was one of the most relaxing family days out we’ve ever done.

Monty Python fame

Think Eden Project but at a size you can easily get round with a buggy and a pre-schooler.

The Great Glasshouse, packed with plants of six Mediterranean climates, sits in the landscape like a dropped raindrop.

We ate our picnic sandwiches in the “Canary Islands”, with the smell of cedar and lavender.

Outside is 568 acres of restored Regency parkland, lakes, waterfalls — and a Gruffalo trail themed on the kids’ book character.

Kidwelly Castle, of Monty Python movie fame, is a 20-minute drive away.

“Let’s climb to the top, Daddy,” my daughter begged. So we did — and the views over the Gwendraeth estuary are worth the effort.

Princess Gwenllian, who rode out from this castle to lead an army into battle against the Normans Credit: Unknown
The Sun’s Jacob Lewis and daughter Credit: Supplied

From on high, I told my princess-obsessed daughter about a real one, Gwenllian, who rode out from this castle to lead an army into battle against the Normans.

I left out how it ended (head lopped off) and she was suitably impressed.

Our final stop was the British Bird of Prey Centre which recently moved to a purpose-built site at Idole, near Carmarthen, after years at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

It flies golden eagles, red kites, owls and peregrines, with three shows a day and an indoor arena for when the Welsh rain sets in.

We did get four days of rain but it barely affected our week’s getaway.

There was always a glasshouse, a castle, an indoor flying arena — or that cold pool.

We’ll be going back for more — she’s already asked.

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Center Parcs to introduce strict new booking rules at all of the resorts

Center Parcs lodges nestled in a pine forest.

CENTER Parcs is introducing new rules when it comes to bookings at their resorts.

The policy change means all guests will now have to pay £5 per person to reserve restaurant bookings, in a bid to to prevent no-shows.

Center Parcs has introduced new booking rules for restaurants Credit: Center Parcs
Guests now have to pay £5 per head to reserve restaurants Credit: Alamy

The new rules are being introduced on all holidays from November 16.

The rule change has been praised by families who say they hope it opens up more bookings.

One customer said: “I’m glad they are bringing this back as it stops people making unnecessary reservations. 

“I’ve really struggled to book what I wanted this year whereas previous years with the deposit there has been plenty of choice.”

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Another added: “Too many people not showing up and leaving restaurants empty. This ties you in unless you can afford to lose it.”

A third former guest pointed out the policy had previously been in place at Center Parcs in recent years, and he had appreciated the chance to spread the cost of the meal.

He said: “Great news, I loved paying the deposit, once the bill came it had £25 off… felt like I was winning.”

If a guest cancels 48 hours before the time of the booking they can get their deposit back, although some people felt the notice period should be less than two days.

Center Parcs has a broad range of restaurants across its five UK villages, including Huck’s American Bar & Grill (all sites), Rajinda Pradesh (all sites), The Pancake House (all sites) and Foresters’ Inn, at Longleat and Elveden. 

It is also possible to just turn up and hope a table is available, although there are no guarantees.

Most people have praised it although some are slamming the lack of menu prices Credit: centerparcs

Some have raised issues with the new charge, in that not all of the restaurant menus shown online have prices displayed on them.

Many are arguing they should know the cost of a meal if they were partly paying in advance. 

A commenter said: “Surely you can’t take a deposit which is non-refundable on the day/day before if you don’t publish the prices of the meals?”

Center Parcs announced on its website: “To help us provide the best possible experience for our guests and make sure our restaurants are available for as many guests as possible, all restaurant bookings now require a deposit at the time of booking. 

“This will come into effect for all breaks starting from 16th November 2026 onwards.  

“If your plans change, you can cancel more than 48 hours before your reservation, and we’ll refund your deposit in full. If you cancel within 48 hours of your reservation, the deposit is non-refundable.

“Please note that restaurant bookings have their own cancellation terms, which are different from those for activity bookings.”

Sun Travel has contacted Center Parcs for additional comment.

Other new rules have been rolled out in recent months, including the scrapping of its creche service earlier this year.

Last summer it also changed its pool opening hours from 9am to 10am, while closing at 8pm instead of 10pm.

Check in times also changed last summer, depending on your lodge time – here is everything you need to know.



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The hotel resorts with the BEST kids clubs from discos and indoor race tracks to DJ sets

IT can be hard to relax on holiday when kids are running riot – so check out these hotels where children’s clubs take centre stage.

Kids can play games, try out new sports, check out the waterparks enjoy the mini disco, and even have a whole plan curated for them – here are some of our favourites.

Daios Cove in Crete has specially curated children’s activities Credit: Booking.com
GF Victoria has a kids’ club with a race track inside Credit: loveholidays

Parklane, Cyprus

Parklane Hotel in Cyprus has one of Europe’s largest kids clubs Credit: Booking.com

Not only will the Parklane Hotel in Limassol be a hit with the adults but kids will love it too.

The Explorers Kids Club at Parklane covers more than 3,000m², making it one of the largest kids clubs in Europe.

With its sensational castle kids club, pirate ship splash pool and sports facilities, for children aged from four months to 11 years.

Flights and a stay in this hotel start from £699pp.

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TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye, Turkey

TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye has five swimming pools and plenty of activities for kids Credit: TUI.co.uk

The TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye is another fab family spot with five swimming pools, six restaurants and seven bars.

The Kids’ Club runs six days a week, with activities like Silly Science and Water Mania.

There are activities designed for teens too, including mocktail-making sessions – every evening kicks off with a children’s show but there are also cabaret performances and silent discos.

You can get a 7-night all-inclusive stay here from £1058pp.

GF Victoria, Tenerife

There’s an indoor racing track for kids at the GF Victoria Credit: GF Victoria Costa Adeje

Children will be obsessed with the kids’ club play area at GF Victoria in Tenerife which has a whole programme of activities.

There’s a Baby Club too where little ones can play and craft at the Mini Club; kids can race around on the track. There’s also a Teen Club with gaming, DJ sets, table football and air hockey.

For more action, there’s an adventure park with a climbing wall, hanging bridges, zip line and tree houses.

A family of four can stay here for seven-nights in September from £659pp.

The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, Turkey

If you want round the clock entertainment head to The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Credit: On the Beach

This hotel is a children’s haven thanks to its ample amount of activities not to mention warm weather.

When it comes to activities, Club Nick offers unforgettable experiences for children with themed activities, play areas, and beloved Nickelodeon characters.

It doesn’t stop there either as there are themed rooms inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Star Trek.

Also included is free access to the Land of Legends theme park – seven-night stays start from £1,635pp.

Daios Cove Hotel, Crete

Scott Dunn curates kids club experiences at its hotels and resorts Credit: Scott Dunn

This hotel sits on a hillside overlooking its private bay on the north-east part of Crete.

Run by Scott Dunn, this hotel has a specially designed programme for children from babies to 11-year-olds.

For children aged 5-7, the Voyagers Kids Club includes activities like watersports, semi submarine trips and mocktail masterclasses.

A family of four can stay here for five nights from £3,988 or £199pppn in October.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

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Eight up-and-coming beach resorts you’ve probably never heard of

FORGET fighting for a sunbed in Benidorm – some of Europe’s best-value beach holidays are hiding in resorts most Brits couldn’t point to on a map.

They’ve got all the essential boxes ticked: guaranteed summer sun, proper hotel pools and beaches within flip-flop-walking distance – and because they aren’t popular tourist traps, you can enjoy the peace and quiet, too.

Forget the famous holiday resorts – some nearby lesser-known ones are just as good, AND cheaper Credit: On The Beach
Places like Albania and Montenegro have some insane bargains Credit: On The Beach

This is because they’re tucked away in Albania, Montenegro, Poland and lesser-known corners of Croatia, so they haven’t yet attracted the overwhelming crowds – or the eye-watering price tags – of the Mediterranean’s usual suspects.

I’ve been digging through our live On the Beach booking data to track down eight overlooked resorts quietly cleaning up with savvy British travellers.

Some serve as much better-value alternatives to Croatia’s expensive hotspots, while others offer five-star luxury for less than you’d pay for a basic three-star elsewhere.

Here are the eight resort names to get on your radar – before everyone else catches on…

1. Durres, Albania

Durres in Albania is a great package holiday resort alternative Credit: On The Beach

If you’ve heard anything about Albania’s coast recently, it was probably about Ksamil and the increasingly trendy Riviera down south.

But Durrës, sitting on the Adriatic coast, is so much easier to reach and feels much more like a classic, hassle-free package resort.

Its coastline is lined with wide sand, beach bars and modern hotels, while the town itself packs in a Roman amphitheatre, Byzantine walls and a 15th-century Venetian tower.

This means there’s actual culture to explore when you’re not working on the tan.

Plus, it sits just 30km from Tirana Airport, so you don’t waste half your first day stuck on a transfer bus crawling across the mountains.

Our booking data shows holidaymakers paid an average of just £382pp for a five-night stay here over the last 12 months – working out to an absolute steal at £76 per person, per night.

A standout hotel to book is the four-star Bleart Hotel, a family-run beachfront spot featuring its own private sand, a massive outdoor pool and sea-view rooms.

And I found a deal here for a five-night B&B stay from £235pp, flying direct from London Luton on September 30.

Albania deal

Bleart Hotel, Durres

  • Five nights
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Return Luton flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

2. Tucepi, Croatia

We wouldn’t blame you if you hadn’t heard of this Croatian resort Credit: On The Beach

You can be forgiven if you haven’t heard of Tucepi before, let alone know how to pronounce it (full disclosure, I had to Google it twice).

Tucked along Croatia’s Makarska Riviera, this little gem is sandwiched between the crystal-clear Adriatic and the towering Biokovo mountains.

It gives you the exact same views people spend an absolute fortune chasing down in Dubrovnik, minus the cruise-ship crowds and extortionate bar tabs.

You get a long, pine-shaded promenade, waterfront konobas (local tavernas) and an immaculate pebble beach, with the livelier hub of Makarska sitting just down the coast.

Our numbers show that, in 2026, Brits paid an average of £469pp for a six-night holiday here over the past year (£78 per person, per night).

If you fancy it, look at the four-star Bluesun Hotel Alga, which sits just 100 metres from the sea with mountain views behind it.

It boasts five separate swimming pools, a kids’ club and two playgrounds, making it one of the best value family setups on the coast.

And I clocked a five-night B&B stay here from £330pp, flying from London Luton on September 30.

Croatia deal

Blueson Hotel Alga, Tucepi

  • Five nights
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Return Luton flights

From £330pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

3. Golem, Albania

Try Golem in Albania for another beach holiday destination with fewer crowds Credit: On The Beach

Golem is what happens when you take Albania’s dirt-cheap local prices and pair them with a fully loaded, modern beach-resort strip.

Sitting six miles south of Durres, it serves up miles of soft sand backed by beach clubs, seafood spots and modern hotel blocks.

The water is remarkably shallow and calm, making it a dream for families with young kids.

Even better, Tirana Airport is a painless 40-minute transfer away.

It’s livelier than Albania‘s smaller fishing villages, but that just means you’ve actually got options once you step outside the hotel gates.

Our booking data shows guests spent an average of £335pp for a four-night break here over the last year, making holidays just £84 per person, per night.

The four-star Albanian Star Hotel sits right on Golem Beach with its own private lounger section, an outdoor pool and sea-view balconies.

You can grab a five-night B&B package from £285pp, flying direct from London Luton on September 30.

Albania deal

Albanian Star Hotel, Golem

  • Five nights
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Return Luton flights

From £285pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

4. Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Montenegro is a hotspot right now – but there are still some hidden gems Credit: On The Beach

Herceg Novi sits right at the entrance of Bay of Kotor, where the mountains drop straight into deep blue water and a historic old town tumbles down to the coast.

It looks like an ultra-exclusive luxury hideaway, but the price tag tells a completely different story.

You’ve got waterfront restaurants, hidden swimming coves, and the long Pet Danica promenade linking it to neighbouring resorts.

You can easily catch boat trips around the bay or explore the famous Kotor without paying the eye-watering hotel rates in the centre.

Despite the high-end views, our average booking here came in at £455pp for five nights – just £88 per person, per night.

To do it in proper style, check out the five-star Carine Hotel Kumbor Superior.

It sits right on the water with a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a full all-inclusive setup – meaning those five-star views won’t come with a terrifying bar bill at check-out.

You can book a five-night all-inclusive break here from £425pp, flying from Manchester on October 23.

Montengro deal

Carine Hotel Kumbor Supeior, Hercig Novi

  • Five nights
  • All inclusive
  • Return Manchester flights

From £425pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

5. Gdansk, Poland

The city of Gdansk can still offer you some beach time Credit: On The Beach

Gdańsk is famous for its cobbled streets, colourful townhouses and craft beer spots along the Motława River – but almost nobody in the UK realises it doubles as a proper beach resort in the summer.

The city boasts long, wide Baltic sand beaches like Brzezno and Jelitkowo, reachable via a quick tram ride from the historic centre.

It delivers a brilliant holiday hybrid: spend your mornings exploring medieval architecture, your afternoons lounging on the beach and your evenings eating fresh seafood by the river.

From May to September the weather gets really warm, while prices remain almost absurdly cheap compared to the Med.

Our booking data has Gdansk averaging just £246pp per trip, making it one of the single cheapest destinations in our database.

A great base is the three-star Hotel Number One by Grano.

It puts you right near the Old Town and gives guests access to the Grano Life wellness centre, complete with an indoor pool, jacuzzi and saunas.

You can secure a five-night room-only stay here from just £220pp, flying from London Stansted on September 19.

Poland deal

Hotel Number One by Grano, Gdansk

  • Five nights
  • Room only
  • Return Stansted flights

From £220pp. BOOK HERE

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6. Sopot, Poland

Sopot is one of the Baltic seaside resorts often overlooked Credit: On The Beach

If you think Poland is only good for a winter city break, Sopot completely dismantles that myth.

Sitting just down the coast from Gdańsk, this is a proper, glamorous Baltic seaside resort featuring grand spa hotels, wide beaches and Europe’s longest wooden pier stretching out into the sea.

The main pedestrianised boulevard, Monte Cassino, is packed with open-air cafes, cocktail bars and restaurants, giving it a buzzing, high-end atmosphere after dark.

You can easily hop on the local coastal train to explore Gdansk, giving you a beach break and a world-class city break in one go.

And Brits paid an average of just £190pp for a break here, taking the absolute lowest price crown on our board.

To go all-out, look at the five-star Haffner Hotel & Spa.

It sits 250 metres from the sand with an indoor pool, spa and a private beach area in summer.

You can bag a five-night room-only stay at this luxury hotel from £395pp, flying direct from London Stansted on September 28.

Poland deal

Haffner Hotel & Spa, Sopot

  • Five nights
  • Room only
  • Return Stansted flights

From £396pp. BOOK HERE

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7. Igalo, Montenegro

We bet you haven’t heard of Igalo, but it has some amazing hotel resorts along the beach Credit: On The Beach

Sitting right next door to Herceg Novi, Igalo swaps the historic fortress vibe for a much more relaxed, traditional beach-resort atmosphere.

It’s known for being a wellness hub thanks to its natural mineral waters and therapeutic mud flats.

The resort itself has a long, managed beach with warm, shallow water, backed by a flat promenade lined with family-run cafes.

You can stroll along the coastal path into Herceg Novi’s old town or use the harbour as a launchpad for boat trips around the Bay of Kotor.

Our booking data shows holidaymakers paid an average of £563pp for a five-night stay here, which equates to a very reasonable £110 per person, per night.

If I were booking, I’d go for the four-star Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa.

It has its own private beach club, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool filled directly with natural mineral water.

A five-night B&B package starts from £370pp, flying from London Stansted on September 28.

Montengro deal

Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa, Igalo

  • Five nights
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Return Stansted flights

From £370pp. BOOK HERE

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8. Split, Croatia

Split is well-known, but we think it’s worth a mention as a destination in itself Credit: On The Beach

Split itself isn’t a secret obviously, but far too many travellers treat it as a hub to visit the islands – despite that being a massive missed trick. 

Stay a while and enjoy ancient Roman palaces in the morning before cooling off with a swim in the Adriatic (chased by a cocktail on the palm-lined promenade).

The newly redeveloped Znjan seafront has given the city a proper beach-resort complex, complete with landscaped pebble bays, lounge bars and playgrounds.

While it came in as the highest-priced destination in this data group – averaging £744pp for a five-night stay (£155 per night) – it still delivers a premium combination of culture and coast that few places can match.

The four-star Amphora hotel sits directly on Znjan Beach, boasting three swimming pools, a spa and a rooftop lounge bar overlooking the sea.

And you can lock in a five-night B&B stay here from £430pp, flying direct from London Luton on October 17.

Croatia deal

Amphora Hotel, Split

  • Five nights
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Return Luton flights

From £430pp. BOOK HERE

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All-inclusive resorts going dirt-cheap for VERY LAST-MINUTE summer holidays from £315pp

THERE’S last-minute, and then there’s “I could be sitting on a sun lounger by next Wednesday” last-minute.

Well, we’re at that exact point in late summer when airline and hotel booking engines do some very interesting things.

Stay at Maspalomas Oasis Club, Gran Canaria from £373pp Credit: Trip Advisor/Maspalomas Oasis Club Management

Flights with remaining empty seats need filling, hotels want their final unoccupied rooms gone, and package prices are suddenly sitting far below where they were just a few weeks ago.

So, I’ve been digging through our live booking data to track down the destinations offering the absolute cheapest last-minute summer holidays on the board.

These aren’t bottom-of-the-barrel options either, by the way.

Every deal below includes return flights, accommodation, food and drinks, with these particular all-inclusive holidays starting from just £315 per person.

Here’s the breakdown from number eight down to the single cheapest steal on the map.

You’ll need to move fast though, because these departures are all within the next two weeks.

8. Skanes, Tunisia (from £430pp)

Hotel Liberty Resort in Skanes sits between the resorts of Monastir and Sousse Credit: Trip Advisor/ Hotel Liberty Resort in Skanes management

If you want guaranteed August heat and a fully-loaded hotel setup without paying top dollar, Skanes is the place to look.

This purpose-built coastal strip sits directly between Monastir and Sousse, meaning the resorts come with massive swimming pools, palm gardens, and access to sandy beaches.

It’s quieter than the major Tunisian city hubs, but our recent booking data shows holidaymakers have been landing stays here for an average of £82.86 per person, per night – in the school holidays!

You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Hotel Liberty Resort from 22 August, with return flights from Cardiff, for just £430pp.

The property is a brilliant family base with a massive outdoor pool network, but the real insider win here is the hotel’s private, free return shuttle down to their dedicated beach plot.

It means you can swap the poolside lounger for the sea in under three minutes without doing a hot, dusty trek in the August heat.

Book a holiday: Skanes

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Hotel Liberty Resort from 22 August, with return flights from Cardiff, for £430pp.

BOOK HERE

Rob found a deal for a stay at the Hawaii Hotel in Marmaris for £75.43pppn Credit: Trip Advisor/Hawaii Hotel Management

7. Marmaris, Turkey (from £408pp)

Marmaris came in as the second-cheapest resort overall, averaging just £75.43 per person, per night for extreme last-minute bookings this summer.

It remains one of Turkey’s best all-rounders because it caters to every type of traveller – whether your sightseeing limit is walking from your lounger to the snack bar, or you want a buzzing marina, waterfront seafood spots, and boat trips around the pine-clad bay.

I tracked down a five-night, all-inclusive package at the four-star Hawaii Hotel, flying from Birmingham on 21 August, for just £408pp.

The hotel sits right on its own section of shingle beach, but the standout feature here is easily the location.

Because it sits right on the border of the main seafront promenade, you can enjoy a quiet, self-contained resort atmosphere during the day and walk straight out into the bustling town centre after dinner without ever needing a taxi.

Book a holiday: Marmaris

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Hawaii Hotel from 21 August, with return flights from Birmingham, for £408pp.

BOOK HERE

Bag a stay at Yunona in Sunny Beach with return flights included for £378pp Credit: Trip Advisor/Yunona Management

6. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (from £378pp)

Sunny Beach has built its entire reputation on being dirt cheap, and the latest figures show it still thoroughly earns that crown.

Recent breaks have been averaging just £76.90 per person, per night, making it the third-cheapest resort in my research.

And in Sunny Beach, its broad, sandy beach stretches for miles, packed with waterparks, family attractions, and beachfront bars.

You can bag a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the three-star Yunona from 20 August, flying direct from Manchester, for just £378pp.

Getting five full days of accommodation, food, and drinks – plus flights included – for under £400 in peak August is nuts.

And at Yunona, I love the sheltered design – because despite sitting right in the heart of the resort near the main attractions, the pool area is entirely enclosed by the hotel block, creating a surprisingly quiet and relaxed sanctuary away from the main strip’s noise.

Book a holiday: Sunny Beach

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Yunona from 20 August, with return flights from Manchester, for £378pp.

BOOK HERE

Playa del Ingles is one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest spots Credit: Trip Advisor/Green Field Management

5. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria (from £373pp)

Playa del Ingles serves up reliable sunshine all year-round, but summer is when I think it’s at its best.

It’s one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest spots, boasting a huge beach, sprawling shopping centres, and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes right on your doorstep.

While my data shows the resort averaging as little as £83.43 per person, per night, live deals offer a way to beat that average significantly.

I found a five-night, all-inclusive deal at the Green Field aparthotel, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £373pp.

That works out to £74.60 per person, per night – nearly £9 below the resort average.

What makes this three-star property a standout for me is the apartments – every unit comes with its own kitchenette and a wide private balcony, giving you a proper, spacious living area to retreat to rather than feeling crammed into a standard hotel room.

Book a holiday: Playa del Ingles

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Green Field from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £373pp.

BOOK HERE

Stay at Club Munamar Beach Resort in Iclemer from £74pp per night Credit: Trip Advisor/Club Munamar Beach Resort Management

4. Icmeler, Turkey (from £370pp)

Icmeler is the calmer, considerably greener neighbor to Marmaris.

The resort wraps around a sheltered bay, surrounded by mountains, with a beach, canal, and quiet seafront tavernas.

While our booking data shows travellers currently paying an average of £79.43 per person, per night here, live availability drops well below that baseline – even when you’re looking at the very last-minute.

I clocked a five-night, all-inclusive break at the four-star Club Munamar Beach Resort, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £370pp – bringing the nightly cost down to just £74 per person.

The hotel features three separate pool zones, an excellent entertainment team, and its own private beach section.

They even provide reserved sunbeds and shades exclusively for guests, saving you from paying daily commercial beach fees down on the main shore.

Book a holiday: Icmeler

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Club Munamar Beach Resort from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £370pp.

BOOK HERE

You can bag a five-night, all-inclusive break at the Maspalomas Oasis Club from £340pp Credit: Trip Advisor/Maspalomas Oasis Club Management

3. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria (from £340pp)

Maspalomas actually registered as the most expensive of these eight resorts in the recent booking data, averaging £89.43 per person, per night.

However, hunting through live availability reveals a massive price loophole that completely flips that narrative.

You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive package at the Maspalomas Oasis Club, departing Bristol on 19 August, for £340pp.

That slashes the daily price down to just £68 per person, per night – more than £21 below the resort average.

The property itself is a low-rise, bungalow-style complex in the quiet Campo Internacional area. 

And the apartments even have a duplex layout – instead of sharing corridors in a noisy multi-story block, you get your own self-contained bungalow with a private ground-floor terrace surrounding the pool.

Book a holiday: Maspalomas

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Maspalomas Oasis Club from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £340pp.

BOOK HERE

Book a five-night stay at BLUESEA Los Fiscos, Puerto del Carmen from £338pp Credit: Trip Advisor/BLUESEA Los Fiscos Management

2. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote (from £338pp)

Puerto del Carmen came in as the absolute cheapest overall resort for super-last-minute holidays, with guests paying an average of just £73.15 per person, per night, according to the data.

That’s remarkable value given that Lanzarote is one of the most reliable options for guaranteed weather in Europe.

I even spotted a five-night, all-inclusive holiday at the three-star BLUESEA Los Fiscos, flying direct from Manchester on 22 August, for £338pp – coming out at just £67.60 per person, per night.

And this place is an apartment-style hotel tucked into the hillside above the old town.

The absolute best feature here is the elevated panoramic terrace, Because it sits above the main harbour, the pool bar serves up sweeping, uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean while you grab an evening drink. Beauty.

Book a holiday: Puerto del Carmen

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at BLUESEA Los Fiscos from 22 August, with return flights from Manchester, for £338pp.

BOOK HERE

Majestic Hotel and Spa in Zante is close to the Zakynthos Marine Park and traditional tavernas Credit: Trip Advisor/Majestic Hotel and Spa Management

1. Laganas, Zante (from £315pp)

Laganas takes the number one spot on our board for the absolute cheapest complete holiday package.

While it’s famous for its nightlife strip, move away from the main strip and you’ll find the protected Zakynthos Marine Park, traditional tavernas, and excellent boat trips out to spot loggerhead turtles.

While average bookings sit at £87.62 per person, per night, the live deals reveal a massive price drop that you can take advantage of.

You can secure a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Majestic Hotel and Spa, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for just £315pp.

That works out to a rock-bottom £63 per person, per night for return flights, accommodation, and all your food and drinks in peak August.

The hotel sits right in the heart of the action, featuring a massive central pool deck and an on-site spa, making it the ultimate budget launchpad for anyone wanting to be right in the center of the resort energy.

Book a holiday: Zante

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Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Majestic Hotel and Spa from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £315pp.

BOOK HERE

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Incredible Eurocamp resorts with pools, waterparks & beaches that STILL have spaces this summer from £11pppn

IF you are looking for a last-minute summer break for the whole family, check out these Eurocamp resorts.

With swimming complexes, waterslides, sports, entertainment and nearby beaches it will keep everyone entertained – and we’ve found 10 that still have spaces this August from £10.60pppn.

Terme Čatež in Slovenia has multiple swimming pools and spaces in August Credit: Eurocamp
This Château de Fonrives in France has three swimming pools and five thrilling waterslides Credit: Paul-N. Dubuisson

Château de Fonrives, Dordogne, France 

Anyone who’s a fan of water will love this Eurocamp as it has three swimming pools and five thrilling waterslides.

For relaxation, check into the wellness centre which has a sauna, massages and beauty treatments – there’s also direct access to nearby lakes and a free kids clubs for children between 5-17.

Seven-nights from August 22 in a Comfort three bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £446.53 per party – or £10.60pppn.

Les Ecureuils, Vendée, France 

This Eurocamp in France is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches Credit: Eurocamp

Found on the coast of France, this Eurocamp is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches.

There’s also a huge family pool, children’s splash park and waterslides as well as a lazy river and Jacuzzi – when it comes to eating, take a look in the restaurant called Amy’s House which serves up salads, pasta and burger dishes.

CHEAP AS CHIPS

10 UK summer holidays that are CHEAPER than a takeaway – all £12pp or less


CHEAP CHIC

Cheap UK stays from £9.50pp – with FREE bottomless wine & £11pp coastal cottages

Seven-nights from August 22 staying in a two bedroom Safari Tent that sleeps up to five guests, from £543.06 per party – or £15.50pppn.

Sole di Sari, Corsica, France

There are great views from Sole di Sari along with evening entertainment Credit: DIDIER-CAVAILHES

This stretch of Corsican coast is part of a nature reserve and within touching distance of the sea.

It also has a newly refurbished waterpark with a family pool, shallow children’s pool, splash park and and twisty waterslide – during the summer months there’s evening entertainment too.

Seven-nights from August 22 staying in a Comfort three bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £597.38 per party – or £14.22pppn.

Camping Fabulous Village, Rome, Italy

You can definitely relax in this sunbathing area and get an ice cream from the gelateria Credit: Paul-N. Dubuisson

This fabulous village has it all for a family fun holiday from its many swimming pools to its large sunbathing area.

Along with its on-site restaurant and bar there’s also a gelateria for when it’s time to cool down – when it comes to activities, kids can try out tennis, football, volleyball and trampolining.

Seven nights from August 22 staying in a Classic two bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to four guests, from £663.74 per party – or £23.70pppn.

Klein Canada, Limburg, Netherlands 

Enjoy the great outdoors at Klein Canada in the Netherlands Credit: Eurocamp

This Eurocamp sits on the Maasduinen National Park and it has pools, ponds with a touch of Canadian adventure.

Along with its outdoor swimming pools, there’s a fishing pond regularly stocked with carp and whitefish for enthusiasts. With the National Park on your doorstep, it’s a great spot for walking through forests, heathlands, and river dunes.

Seven-nights from August 22 staying in a Premium three bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £681.87 per party – or £16.24pppn.

hu Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany, Italy

Along with its swimming pools this Eurocamp has regular wine tastings Credit: Eurocamp

Thanks to its location, pitches at this steep park have incredible views of the Tuscan countryside.

Adults will love this Eurocamp as it has wine tasting excursions and and wine tasting evenings at the on-site shop – it also has eight swimming pools and six watersides and is close to Florence, Pisa and Siena.

Seven nights from August 22 staying in a Classic two bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £718.06 per party – £17.10pppn.

Aminess Maravea, Istria, Croatia 

Aminess Maravea is surrounded by greenery and is right next to the beach Credit: Unknown

There are activities and water sports galore at this beachside Eurocamp in Croatia – it might be surrounded by leafy trees but it’s right next to the water too.

Adults can cool off in its tidal infinity pool and lido, while kids can paddle in their own pool complete with slides and spray park. You can to try traditional Croatian cuisine here too at Restaurant Loop which provides all-day selection of meals and snacks.

Seven nights from Saturday 22nd August 2026 staying in a two bedroom Super Lodge Tent that sleeps up to five guests, from £718.06 per party – £17.10pppn.

Atlantic Club Montalivet, Gironde, France

Atlantic Club Montalivet has direct access to the beach and lots of sports facilities Credit: Eurocamp

The Atlantic Club Montalivet is surrounded by pine trees but is right by the ocean too with direct access to the beach.

It has multiple swimming pools and guests will love the U-shaped waterslide which you can go down on with an inflatable. Sports are well covered too from tennis, mini golf, beach volleyball and football to pétanque.

Seven nights from August 22 staying in a Comfort two bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £802.55 per party – or £19.11pppn.

hu Birkelt Village, Mullerthal, Luxembourg

hu Birkelt Village in Luxembourg is nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’ Credit: Unknown

This Eurocamp is nicknamed Little Switzerland thanks to its surrounding meadows, woodlands and rivers.

It has an impressive pool complex which has a retractable roof that opens when the sun arrives along with a kids’ disco, play area, bar and restaurant.

Seven-nights from Saturday 22nd August 2026 staying in a Comfort three bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £947.31 per party – or £22.55pppn.

Terme Čatež, Lower Carniola, Slovenia

Terme Čatež has an unbelievable waterpark with a private island and lazy river Credit: Eurocamp

The highlight of Terme Čatež has to be its outdoor waterpark with waterslides, a wave pool, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 450-metre lazy river and even a pirate island.

The Pri Kapitanu restaurant serves regional specialities which guests can enjoy on its lakeside terrace. For sight-seeing, Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is under one hour away.

Seven nights from August 22 staying in a two bedroom Safari Tent that sleeps up to five guests, from £977.48 per party – or £27.93pppn.

Prices correct at the time of publication.



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Parkdean Resorts’ big change to booking caravans leaves Brits ‘disappointed’

The holiday park operator changed its accommodation grading over a year ago, and has clarified how this will affect customers, but some have taken to social media to voice their disappointment

Parkdean has changed the way it grades its accommodation and it has left some customers ‘disappointed’, while others have been left confused by the update.

A number of guests have taken to the Parkdean Resorts Complaint Group on Facebook and shared their experience of booking accommodation with the holiday park operator.

Parkdean’s website explains that its grading system is now based on the size of the accommodation, rather than quality or age, so Bronze, Silver, and Gold run from smallest to largest. There are also ‘Premium’ options in each of these grades.

But some customers have claimed that this is different to how other holiday parks grade their accommodation, which could make it confusing. A member of the Facebook group claimed: “Gold caravans were always more luxurious than silver or bronze and this was reflected in the higher price. This new pricing system is not only confusing but very disappointing if you think you are paying for gold quality and end up with bronze instead.”

A spokesperson for Parkdean Resorts, said: “Guests consistently tell us how much they enjoy staying at our holiday parks, and we’re proud to maintain a strong TripAdvisor rating of 4.2 from more than 12,000 reviews.

“Our accommodation categorisation system was introduced over a year ago to help guests find the holiday experience that best suits their needs. As explained on our website, accommodation is categorised by size rather than quality or age, with premium options available across each size category, offering enhanced features and higher-specification fixtures and fittings.

“All of our accommodation is maintained to high standards, and we remain committed to providing every guest with a great holiday experience.”

But some holidaymakers in the Facebook group are still claiming to be left unhappy with their accommodation. One claimed they “booked a gold van” but felt “very disappointed” at what they felt “can be described as a silver van at best”, alleging that staff on site told them “that the grading system has changed and there is nothing they can do”,

Another claimed they had “booked a gold premium caravan and at best it was a bronze” at Sandy Bay Northumberland. They alleged that when they asked a member of staff they were told “pictures are only for illustration only and the status as in bronze, silver gold or gold premium is on the size of the caravan and not the spec”.

There are other holiday park operators that do grade their accommodation based on facilities rather than size. For example, Haven offers six caravan grades, from Saver to Signature Gold, and while some grades such as Bronze and Silver are around the same size, the latter offers extra features such as an outdoor deck.

Park Holidays also offers four core tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with bronze described as an “affordable option” while “platinum caravans are crafted to the highest standards and include private decking, en-suite facilities and premium finishes.” There’s no mention of sizing on its website.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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Forget the famous spots – 8 best purpose-built resorts for families with fewer crowds but ALL the water parks & beaches

AFTER spending years working in travel, I’ve realised some of Europe’s best purpose-built family resorts are the ones you’ve probably never even heard of.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the classics, I’ve found stacks of alternative resorts that deliver everything families love about those hot spots – but they are a lot quieter, and a fraction of the price.

Forget the popular resorts and head to these nearby ones for just as amazing holidays but with fewer crowds Credit: On the Beach

Think wide beaches, shallow water, proper family hotels, and massive waterparks – just without the overwhelming crowds or the inflated peak-summer price tag.

So, I’ve narrowed it down to eight resorts that hit all the non-negotiables for parents: short UK flights, quick airport transfers, walkable beaches, and stress-free dining with toddlers in tow.

8. Petrovac, Montenegro

Petrovac is a great alternative in Montengro that’s great for kids Credit: On the Beach

If you want to try something genuinely different without sacrificing convenience, Petrovac is a proper hidden gem.

Tucked along Montenegro’s coast, it’s practically built for families with young kids.

The whole resort centres around a calm, horseshoe-shaped bay protected by small offshore islands that keep the sea remarkably still and safe for paddling.

There’s a completely pedestrianised, traffic-free promenade where kids can run around freely while you finish dinner, lined with casual, welcoming tavernas where children are treated like royalty.

Tivat Airport sits just 40 minutes down the coast, meaning you aren’t subjecting tired kids to a massive transfer coach journey after landing.

I found seven nights at the four-star Hotel Rivijera from £568pp, based on a family of four flying direct from London Gatwick on August 22 on a bed and breakfast basis.

Montenegro deal

Hotel Rivijera, Petrovac

  • Seven nights
  • Gatwick flights
  • Bed and breakfast

From £568pp. BOOK HERE

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7. Cala’n Bosch, Menorca

Cala’n Bosch is still easy to get to in Menorca, but with more accessible beaches Credit: On the Beach

Menorca is the undisputed king of low-stress family travel, but Cala’n Bosch is the specific resort I recommend time and time again.

Everything revolves around a central marina packed with seafood spots and ice cream parlours, where children can watch the boats coming and going while you enjoy a relaxed meal.

The beaches are sheltered, slope very gently, and stay shallow for ages, making them ideal for little swimmers.

Plus, the whole resort is exceptionally compact and flat, so you can easily walk everywhere without ever needing a hire car or bus.

You’ve got Aquarock Waterpark right in the centre of the resort for a change of scenery, and Mahón Airport is under 45 minutes away.

A family of four can bag seven nights at Club Ciudadela from £493pp, with flights from Manchester on August 25 on a self-catering basis.

Menorca deal

Club Ciudadela, Cala’n Bosch

  • Seven nights
  • Manchester flights
  • Self catered

From £493pp. BOOK HERE

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6. Nessebar, Bulgaria

Swap Sunny Beach for Nessebar – home to great waterpark hotels Credit: On the Beach

Most people looking at Bulgaria default straight to Sunny Beach.

But just ten minutes down the coast sits Nessebar – a historic, UNESCO-listed town that delivers the exact same value with a much calmer atmosphere for parents.

It serves up the best of both worlds: a charming, stone-paved old town packed with ice cream parlours and bakeries, flanked by long, wide stretches of soft, golden sand that slopes gently into the sea.

It gives families that proper, classic beach holiday feeling, but with dirt-cheap dining and a far less chaotic night-time vibe than its noisy neighbor.

Burgas Airport is a breeze at just 25 minutes away, and Aqua Paradise – one of Eastern Europe’s biggest waterparks – is right on your doorstep too.

There were plenty of hotels to choose from, but in terms of value, I couldn’t get away from this one: seven nights all-inclusive at the Sol Nessebar Resort from just £675pp, based on a family of four flying from Manchester on August 25.

Bulgaria deal

Sol Nessebar Resort, Nessebar

  • Seven nights
  • Manchester flights
  • All inclusive

From £675pp. BOOK HERE

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5. Gouves, Crete

Crete is Greece’s biggest island, so why not go to the lesser known Gouves? Credit: On the Beach

Gouves is one of those places families stumble across by accident and then end up booking for five years straight.

Sitting just 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport, it delivers one of the shortest transfers anywhere in the Greek islands – a total lifesaver after a four-hour flight with young kids.

Trust me, I know this one from experience.

The resort layout is super-relaxed, with flat, quiet roads lined with family-run tavernas and mini-marts, alongside sheltered sea walls that break up the waves and create pancake-flat, shallow swimming lagoons.

For easy day trips, you’ve got Dinosauria Park and Watercity Waterpark all sitting less than a 10-minute drive down the road.

And the best part is the price, because I managed to find seven nights with breakfast at the Despo Hotel from £398pp, with direct flights for a family of four from London Gatwick on August 25.

Crete deal

Despo Hotel, Gouves

  • Seven nights
  • Gatwick flights
  • Bed and Breakfast

From £398pp. BOOK HERE

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4. Tigaki, Kos

Tigaki has all the laid back Greek charm you could want Credit: On the Beach

Kos often gets overshadowed by Crete and Rhodes, but Tigaki deserves way more attention for families with buggies and toddlers.

The sand beach stretches uninterrupted for miles and the water stays waist-deep forever.

The entire resort is completely flat making it an absolute dream for pushchairs, scooters, and little legs that get tired quickly.

It has that quintessential, laid-back Greek island charm where parents can relax while the kids play safely on the sand right in front of the taverna tables.

Kos Airport is barely 20 minutes away, and the massive Lido Water Park is right down the road when you want a break from the ocean.

For just £580pp, I found seven nights all-inclusive for a family of four at Hotel K Ilios and Farming, flying direct from London Gatwick on August 19.

Kos deal

Hitel K Ilios and Farming, Tigaki

  • Seven nights
  • Gatwick flights
  • All inclusive

From £580pp. BOOK HERE

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3. Cala Millor, Majorca

You don’t have to ditch your Majorca holiday, but try Cala Millor instead Credit: On the Beach

Cala Millor on Majorca’s east coast is the ultimate substitute for a stress-free Spanish break.

It’s home to an enormous, Blue Flag sandy bay with crystal-clear, shallow water, backed by a massive, palm-shaded pedestrian promenade lined with wooden playgrounds, shaded cafes, and flat cycling paths.

It’s made for effortless family days out, giving you all the incredible facilities, beach games, and amenities of the island’s famous mega-resorts, but with a much more relaxed, authentic island feel.

Palma Airport is also around an hour’s transfer.

It’s a little further than other resorts, but all via the main highway, making it a stress-free, fairly straight drive.

And I’ve picked out seven nights at the four-star Garbi Cala Millor from £548pp, based on a family of four flying direct from Gatwick on August 20 and staying half board.

Majorca deal

Hotel Garbi Cala Millor

  • Seven nights
  • Gatwick flights
  • Half board

From £548pp. BOOK HERE

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2. Porec, Croatia

Croatia’s Porec is perfect for staying in the cool due to its luscious pine forests Credit: On the Beach

If you fancy trading standard package resorts for quaint old towns, Porec in Croatia is easily one of the best family bets in Europe.

The centre is completely pedestrianised and packed with waterfront pizzerias and street performers that keep kids mesmerised.

Instead of scorched, open sand, the coastline here is lined with lush, fragrant pine forests that run right down to the clear swimming bays.

This means tons of natural shade so young kids can swim and play all day without getting overheated.

Pula Airport is less than 45 minutes away, and Aquacolors Porec – one of Croatia’s biggest waterparks – is sitting right outside town.

And I found a deal for a family of four, spending seven nights at Hotel Istra Plava Laguna from £513pp, with flights direct from London Luton on August 25 on a half board basis.

Croatia deal

Hotel Istra Plava Laguna, Porec

  • Seven nights
  • Luton flights
  • Half board

From £513pp. BOOK HERE

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1. La Pineda, Spain

Combine a theme park holiday with relaxation and you’ve found La Pineda Credit: On The Beach

If Salou has always appealed for the theme parks and beaches, but you wish the town itself was quieter and easier to navigate with children, La Pineda is an absolute cheat code.

Sitting just five minutes down the Costa Dorada coast, it boasts a massive beach with super-shallow water, backed by a flat, green promenade that’s ideal for pushchairs and evening strolls.

It’s ideal for families who want a chilled base, but still want easy access to world-class attractions.

Reus Airport is an absolute dream at just 15 minutes away, and you’ve got Aquopolis waterpark right inside the resort itself.

There is also PortAventura World theme park that’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride down the road (named one of the best in the world).

I clocked seven nights at Hotel Best Sol D’Or from £473pp, for a family of four departing Birmingham on August 25 on a room-only basis.

Spain deal

Hotel Best Sol D’or, La Pineda

  • Seven nights
  • Birmingham flights
  • Room only

From £473pp. BOOK HERE

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