A Premier Inn Non-Flex booking means that you pay now and no amendments or refunds are allowed.
It is the hotel chain’s least flexible rate, but often is cheaper than other rates.
Breakfast at a Premier Inn hotel usually costs £10.99 and up to two kids eat for free when an adult purchases a breakfast.
If you don’t want the cooked breakfast though, you could opt for the continental breakfast with fruit, pastries and lighter options, as well as tea and coffee, for £8.99 per person.
In May last year, Premier Inn revealed plans to transform a vacant office block in south east London into a 400-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel.
Hub by Premier Inn hotels are designed to be great value stays in central destinations, with a space efficient design and modern amenities.
The planned 400-room Hub by Premier Inn hotel is set to be the first one south of the River Thames.
There are plans to transform a former office building at 35 Red Lion Square in Holborn into a 165-room hub by Premier Inn and Phoenix House in Vauxhall to a 180-bed Premier Inn as well.
There are over 800 Premier Inn hotels across the UK, so there are plenty to choose from.
Rooms can cost as little as £35 per night.
The breakfast included both continental and cooked mealsCredit: Premier Inn
For example, you could head to Premier Inn Bournemouth Central hotel on February 15 for one night for £49.
Alternatively, on the same date, head to Premier Inn Chipping Norton for £59.
In other hotel news, there is an affordable hotel with ‘compact luxury’ rooms in the middle of London – and it has free cheese and wine hours.
FOR A week in March you can get your hands on discounted and free tickets to hundreds of attractions across the UK.
Between March 7 and 15, National Lottery players can get free tickets, discounted tickets and special offers by purchasing a National lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game in store or online.
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The National Lottery Open Week allows Brits to visit hundreds of attractions for free or at a discounted priceCredit: AlamyAll you have to do is have a National Lottery ticket or scratchcardCredit: Alamy
One top saving is to the Eden Project, which has tropical trees and even a living clay sculpture called Eve that grows out of the landscape.
Entry will be free across the week, which is a saving of around £100 based on a family of four visiting.
Loved old-school, school dinners? Then you might want to head to the UK’s only Food Museum in Suffolk, where visitors can sample different foods and step inside an 18th-century dairy.
Other spots offering free entry include Audley End House and Gardens (March 7-15); Eltham Palace and Gardens (March 7-8, March 11-15) and BBC Studios tours at Alexandra Palace (March 10).
If you’ve always wanted to visit some of the country’s palaces, then March 7 to 15 might be the time to.
Hampton Court Palace is offering half-price entry from March 7 to 8 and March 13 to 14, which could save families up to £42.
Other destinations with half-price entry include the Tower of London (March 7-14) and Kensington Palace (March 7-8, 11-14).
It’s not just historical destinations included though…
You could get a half price annual membership to the Butterfly Conservation in Winchester if you purchase it between March 7 and 15.
Rugby fans could head to the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham, with two for on entry from March 7 to 8 and 10 to 15.
You can also upgrade to include an Allianz Stadium Twickenham Tour.
It’s not just entry and seeing things, you can also get discounts on workshops, bookstores, cafes and tours.
For example, you could head to Bernard Leach Trust in St Ives for a Kurinuki Pots workshop on March 7 or an introduction to printmaking.
The attractions will be open for free or at a discounted price between March 7 and 15Credit: Getty
And if you want to keep active, some gyms are even opening their doors for free workout sessions.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: “National Lottery Open Week is a chance to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out, whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, or a fun day out for the family or with friends.
“It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £32million every week for good causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.”
To benefit from the offer, you must head to any retail or online National Lottery ticket seller and purchase either Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life and Thunderball or a National Lottery Scratchcard or an Instant Win Game.
STRESSED about your half-term family getaway stretching your bank account? Well, many hotels offer free stays for kids.
Whether you are heading out of the country and need a hotel near an airport or are just heading on a staycation, hotels can be expensive when you add on the kids.
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Down Hall, Bishop’s Stortford, is just 15 minutes from Stansted AirportCredit: Booking.com
But there are a number of hotels all over the UK that offer free kids stays making it more affordable.
Some even offer free meals and other perks too…
Down Hall, Bishop’s Stortford
Named AA Hotel of the Year, Down Hall nestled in the English countryside is just 45 minutes from central London and 15 minutes from Stansted Airport.
The hotel is an Italianate mansion with a historydating back to the 11th century.
Inside, there are 98 individually designed bedrooms, including ones with views of the garden.
There is also an on-site restaurant called The Garden Room, which uses ingredients from its own vegetable garden.
Visitors can head to the Eden Spa too, a 24-hour gym, tenniscourts and 11 acres of woodland.
Kids stay free between February 14 and 22, based on two adults and two children under 12 years old sharing.
It is worth noting though that the spa facilities are not included.
From £212 per room.
Mallory Court, Leamington Spa
Surrounded by gardens, Mallory Court Hotel is pretty to just look at.
Then, once inside, there are 42 individually styled bedrooms with a traditional country house feel.
There is a spa as well with a pool and gym.
For a bite to eat, you can head to The Warwick which is run by MasterChef winner Stu Deeley.
Over February half-term, children under the age of 10 can stay for free when sharing a room with an adult.
And included in the stay is bed and breakfast accommodation and designated family pool times.
To benefit from the offer, you must call to book.
Mallory Court Hotel has a restaurant run by MasterChef winner Stu DeeleyCredit: Booking.com
Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, Devon
Set in 19 acres of woodlands, the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, Devon boasts spectacular views of the sea.
Nearby there are sandy beaches to explore, which can be reached via a short walk.
There’s lots to do at the hotel as well, including an indoor and an outdoor pool, and both indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
During the half-term break, kids under 10-years-old stay free when sharing with two adults.
Rooms start from around £123 per night.
The Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish overlooks the seaCredit: Langstone Cliff Hotel
The Grove, Watford
If you fancy something a little more luxury, The Grove is a great option.
The five-star hotel is just 18 miles from London and used to be the home of the Earls of Clarendon.
In total, there are 214 rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and a number of restaurants.
Over half term, kids stay free when sharing with parents and get breakfast at The Glasshouse, two hours of free childcare for kids aged two to nine, use of the Sequoia Spa and use of Asher’s Woodland Trails.
The offer runs from February 13 to 22 and costs from £550 per room.
For something more luxury, head to The Grove where you will get two hours of free childcareCredit: The Grove
The Fish Hotel, Broadway, The Cotswolds
This back-to-nature retreat looks over the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds.
The hotel has 500 acres to explore, as well as a number of activities and well-being classes.
There are a range of rooms to choose from too, such as treehouses, suites and huts.
When it comes to having something to eat there are a couple of options on site, including a bar and lounge and Hook – a seafood-focused restaurant.
Kids stay for free between February 13 and 22 with rooms costing from £340 based on two adults and a child sharing.
The Fish Hotel overlooks the picturesque village of Broadway in the CotswoldsCredit: The Fish Hotel
Britannia Hotels, various locations
Britannia Hotels has locations across the country and between February 13 and 22, kids under 14-years old stay for free when sharing a room with two adults.
Breakfast is included and so are kids meals.
Though if you stay on a Saturday night at Royal Court Hotel; Prince of Wales Hotel Southport; Britannia Airport Hotel Manchester; Norbreck; Castle Hotel Blackpool; Grand Hotel Scarborough; Grand Hotel Llandudno; Carrington House Hotel Bournemouth or Grand Hotel Blackpool – there will be a £10 supplement.
Otherwise, rooms cost from £59 per night.
Britannia Hotels have locations across the UK with prices starting from £59 a nightCredit: Britannia Hotels
The Swan at Lavenham, Sudbury
Inside a 15th century building, The Swan at Lavenham is a cosy hotel with traditional oak beams and large fireplaces.
There are 46 rooms to choose from, with period features in each.
Inside, there are classic rooms and executive suites, as well as a bar, restaurant and terrace.
Over the February half-term, kids under 12-years-old stay for free and also get a Cornish breakfast each morning of their stay.
There are two room types in the offer to choose from.
Firstly, the classic room which costs from £110 based on one adult and one child sharing.
Or, secondly, the executive suites, costing from £203 based on two adults and two children sharing.
The Alverton in Cornwall is a Grade-II listed hotel with a cosy feelCredit: Alamy
Holiday Inn, various locations
Holiday Inns are great for budget travel or if you are heading off on holiday but want to stay near the airport before your flight.
Perfect for half-term trips out of the country, kids under the age of 17-years-old stay for free during the school break when sharing a room with up to two adults.
Kids under 12-years-old also get free meals during their stay.
Prices vary depending on Location, but as an example you could stay at Holiday Inn London Bexley for £68 per night.
Holiday Inns are all over the country and provide a great cheaper stayCredit: John Kirkby – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands,
The four-star Belfry Hotel & Resort sits in 550 acres of countryside and is well-known for its world-class golf.
The hotel features over 300 rooms, as well as a Fire and Ice spa with a 12-room thermal journey, restaurants such as Ryder Grill and Sam’s Club House.
If you are heading on holiday from Birmingham Airport, the hotel is ideal to stay at the night before as it is less than 20 minutes away.
To get the offer, you will need to use the promo code ‘FAMILYPROMO’.
Rooms cost from £259 per night and include breakfast, buffet dinner, kids’ activities and access to the leisure club (but not spa).
The Belfry is a perfect choice if you are looking to stay near Birmingham AirportCredit: The Belfry
Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall
With 86 luxury rooms, Carlyon Bay Hotel in Cornwall is a great spot for families as it has a large entertainment programme.
There’s magic shows and an appearance from Chloe the Clown…
For the adults, there is also a golf course and a large spa.
Kids under 15-years-old stay for free between February 14 and 22, with a room and breakfast costing from £85 per night.
Kids under 15-years-old also get to eat for free during their stay.
Included in your stay is access to the supervised Funzone, a complimentary round of golf and use of the spa and leisure facilities which features an indoor pool.
A room and breakfast costs from £85 per person per night (so from £170 per night for two adults and two children).
In other hotel news, here’s 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.
TRACY Kennedy is the Queen of Holidays from £9.50, having taken 30 of them and with even more booked to come.
In her decades of Sun holiday experience, Tracy has stayed in holiday parks all over the UK – and knows exactly how to make the most out of your £9.50 break.
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Tracy Kennedy is co-owner of a Facebook group with 290,000+ members: £9.50 SUN HOLIDAYSCredit: Paul Tonge
So whether you’re wondering when is the best time to book, or how to choose a holiday park with plenty to do for both adults and kids – Tracy’s here with all the answers.
Is it best to book super early or wait for the last minute deals?
Lyn Shephard
Definitely book as early as you can, because the popular and cheap accommodation goes quickly. And it’s better to have more choice between the holiday parks.
Not everyone is able to book something in January. Don’t worry if you’ve missed out on booking early – there’s a top-up of £9.50 holidays later in the year.
Make sure to check all of the promotions that pop up, because sometimes the cheaper options will come back. They’re definitely worth a look, especially if you weren’t able to book on the first release.
Any suggestions for parks better catered to the elderly?
Henry McCaffery
I’d recommend Parkdean Resorts’ Cherry Tree in East Norfolk. It’s in a beautiful countryside setting, and only a short drive to the beach.
It’s very much a relaxing holiday, and there’s plenty to do nearby.
You’ve got Gorelston-on-Sea a 10-minute drive away, and Burgh Castle is only a couple of minutes away. Plus there’s Lowestoft to visit in the opposite direction, if you want a day trip out.
There’s also plenty to do on the park itself, and lots of countryside walks nearby. Norfolk is very flat, so you won’t have to walk up many hills.
Tracy recommends Parkdean Resorts: Cherry Tree in Norfolk for a relaxing countryside stayCredit: Park Dean ResortsStay at the Cherry Tree resort and you could take a day-trip to Gorleston-on-SeaCredit: Getty
Lighthouse Leisure up in Scotland is another good option. It’s a smaller park, with lots of local things to do in the area.
It’s less than an hour’s drive to Gretna Green, or you could visit Sweetheart Abbey, its a really pretty old building. There’s even bird-watching sanctuaries up there, too.
And if you visit at quieter times of year, like during school term times, any park will be quieter. Everything winds down then, and it feels a lot more peaceful.
Where is the best place to go on a walking holiday on a small budget?
Thomas Riley
For the best walks, I’d recommend a site in Wales or a site on the Coastal Path.
One of the best would be Golden Sands in Rhyl. If you use that park as a base, you’ve got loads of walks from there.
The walking route runs all the way from the holiday park to Llandudno – you probably couldn’t do the whole thing in one day, but it depends how fit you are!
Alternatively, stay at a camp near Snowdonia, and drive out there.
If you stay somewhere like Ty Mawr in Conwy, it’s about a 10-minute drive to get into Snowdonia. And there’s not much that beats the nature there!
A good option in England would be to stay in Malvern. You’ve got the Malvern hills, which when I went I thought were absolutely stunning.
Plus, it makes for a nice walking break that’s not coastal.
Lighthouse Leisure resort in Scotland is under 15 minutes’ drive to nearby Sweetheart AbbeyCredit: Historic Environment ScotlandGolden Sands in Rhyl, Wales, has a long stretch of beautiful coastline to walkCredit: Away Resorts
Can you buy more than one discounted holiday?
Elaine Burns
Oh yes you can! You can use your codes or the Sun Club entry to book as much as you want. You could book 50 holidays if you really wanted to.
I know people in my Facebook group who have booked weeks back-to-back and gone away for a whole month.
They were free to take some time off work, so they booked this way as it was more affordable for them. It was much cheaper than booking direct, so they were very happy!
Is there a curfew at holiday parks?
I. Jones
In my experience there’s been no curfews at holiday parks.
Once you’ve got your keys to your caravan, you can come and go whenever you want.
A lot of holiday parks have entertainment and bars open until midnight and beyond, but even when they shut that doesn’t stop you going out and coming home whenever you want.
Just make sure to double check with your specific park.
Parkdean Resorts: Ty Mawr is set in a stunning location close to Eryi National Park (Snowdonia)Credit: Park Dean ResortsHistory buffs will love a trip to Hastings to see its Castle and ruinsCredit: Alamy
My kids love going on sunny holidays while my wife and I love culture and history, how can we blend both into one holiday?
PLANNING a UK city break can be a right headache when you’re skint and short on time – but one must-do activity lets you see a lot without spending a penny.
Recently, my family came to visit me in London and even though I live in the city, I don’t often get the chance to be a tourist.
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A free self-guided walking tour is a great way of exploring a city at your own paceCredit: Cyann Fielding
Stumped on ideas of what to do that pleases everyone but didn’t cost much, I took to Google and stumbled across London Walking Tours by Richard Jones.
On the website, there are a number of free, self-guided walking tours – but what makes them even better is that they aren’t to cliche spots, instead you get to uncover hidden pieces of history.
In fact, there are 22 free walking tours on the site to choose from.
I opted for the Soho self-guided walk, taking about two hours starting from Tottenham Court Road Station.
The walk takes you around the area showing streets and alleyways frequented by famous figures like Charles Dickens and the Beatles.
One of my favourite things about the tour is that it takes you to places you would have otherwise missed.
For example, it took us down this rather normal-looking road to a house with a blue plaque.
The blue plaque simply stated: “John William Polidori, 1795-1821, poet & novelist, author of ‘The Vampyre’, born and died here”.
I had no clue who this person was, but the tour informed me that Polidori was actually a personal physician to the famous poet Lord Byron – whom he idolised.
Upon showing Byron one of his submissions to Byron’s 1816 writing competition – ‘The Vampyre’ – Polidori was dismissed as having little potential.
Not long after, the New Monthly Magazine had published ‘The Vampyre’ but attributed it to Lord Byron – who denied any involvement.
Polidori wrote to the magazine, but was accused of plagiarism and ended up taking his life.
If you aren’t so much of a history fan though, there are other options that are more themed.
For example, you could spend the day on a magical tour that heads all over London showing you locations that have been featured in the Harry Potter movies.
I recently tried one around Soho in London and discovered things I have never seen before despite living in London for five yearsCredit: Getty
Or perhaps, you want to add in a fun game?
Then head on the Mayfair to St James Quiz Trail, where, as you explore different places, you have to find the answers to a number of questions and complete photo challenges.
There are plenty of different sites out there offering free walking tours.
For example, if you are exploring Manchester you could opt for The Ultimate Manchester Free Walking Tour, where you can discover history about the famous Britannia Hotel and stop by the bustling Corn Exchange for some food.
In Birmingham, you could go on a self-guided Discovering Britain walking tour which takes you to the popular spots but shares information you may not know about them.
Lots of councils also have guides on their websites, as well as walking maps.
To get the best search result for the city you want to explore, make sure to search the name of your city along with ‘free self-guided walking tour’.
By doing this, you will get results which are free and also aren’t led by anyone, which means you can do the tour at your own pace and even stop along the way for a cuppa or bite to eat.
One thing I learned from the tour I did, was definitely print the tour if you can before heading off on it.
I had the tour open on my phone, but obviously walking around London, or any other large city for that matter, with your phone constantly in your hand isn’t the best idea…
Top sites for free self-guided walking tours in the UK
HERE are some sites that offer free, self-guided walking tours:
The Troubadour already operates two other theatres in London – one in Wembley Park and the other in Canary Wharf, which opened in October last year and is currently home to The Hunger Games: On Stage.
At Troubadour Wembley Park, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is currently playing.
The Greenwich theatre wouldn’t be permanent though, as planning permission has only been granted for a decade, after which the land would be used for tower blocks of flats.
These plans form part of the Greenwich Peninsula Masterplan, which will make the area “an expression of the world’s boldest architects”.
The development will span across 195 acres and create 17,500 homes.
There will also be 47 acres of open public space which will include a creative hub.
New shops and office spaces will open too, with a focus on the creative industries.
A large part of this will be a new Design District.
And there will be The Tide – a mile long park for pedestrians and cyclists with access to the riverfront.
The whole development is then set for completion in 2043.
Greenwich itself has a lot to explore, including Greenwich Park and ObservatoryCredit: Alamy
There have been a number of new openings in the area recently as well including The Dial – a three-floor microbrewery.
On the lower floor, visitors will find a tap room home to brewing facilities.
The first floor is then focused on live sports screenings and the top floor is where visitors will find a rooftop bar with a terrace.
In May last year, The Telegraph revealed how Greenwich had become one of London’s “loveliest spots”.
The publication said: “Greenwich’s riverside pubs, bustling market and impressive museums make it the ideal place for a weekend escape (even if you live in London).”
One of the main attractions of Greenwich is its sprawling green park – which if you climb to the top of, you will find the spot where the Prime Meridian line splits the globe in two.
Here you can explore a museum as well as head inside a planetarium.
For a bite to eat, head to Greenwich Market Food Court to pick up some street food.
It is open daily and features a range of cuisines including Indian, Sicilian and Ethiopian.
Near the riverfront, you will also find a ship seemingly suspended in mid air.
You can also explore Cutty Sark, which used to carry tea from China in the 19th centuryCredit: Ray Collins
The Cutty Sark used to carry tea from China to London, with the first voyage taking place in 1870.
Known as a clipper – which is a fast, three-masted sailing vessel – the ship spent eight years in the tea trade.
Visitors can explore the ship, with tickets costing £22 per adult and £11 per child.
IF you love wandering through woodland, spotting wildlife round every corner and then heading back to base to cosy up in a log cabin – this staycay is for you.
There is a hidden network of locations across the country that give Center Parcs vibes but without the price tag.
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I’ve found a forest staycation with cosy log cabins – without the hefty price tagCredit: Catherine Lofthouse Kids can go climbing at the Rosliston Forestry Centre in DerbyshireCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
It’s easy to overlook the amazing forestry centres we have across the UK as only good for a woodland walk and to while away a few hours beneath the trees.
But some offer accommodation options as well, so you can enjoy the forest fun for even longer.
I was wowed by how much there was to do when I went to visit Rosliston Forestry Centre in the heart of the National Forest on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
Within moments of setting off down the tree-lined path, I had spotted six different species of birds and a huge cheeky squirrel hanging upside down from a feeder right in front of a hide where you can get up close to nature without the animals being scared off by your presence.
On site, there are loads of facilities that wouldn’t be out of place on an upmarket holiday park, like bike hire, a small soft play for under sevens opposite the cafe and lots of fun play equipment, including a striking sparrowhawk play frame installed last year to replace a much-loved earlier version that was known to all as the Owl.
You’ll also find the real thing here as there’s a birds of prey centre on site which is often open to the public. Over Easter, visitors will be able to hold a bird for £5.
You can visit for the day or for a stay, as lodges for up to 12 guests are tucked away down a little lane, so it’s perfect for a secluded staycation.
And a half-term break for a family of four is only £479 for the week, compared to £2500 for the same seven nights at the nearest Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest.
Every school holidays, there are themed trails and extra activities on offer, so for February half-term, kids can take on a space trail to find all the planets hidden in the trees for £3.
One thing you won’t find here is a subtropical swimming dome, but if you want to recreate that element of a Center Parcs break, you’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world as you’ve got four of the UK’s best waterparks less than an hour’s drive away.
The closest and cheapest is Moorways Sports Village in Derby, where 90 minutes in the waterpark costs £10.25 per person or just £2.10 for three to five-year-olds.
As well as flumes, slides and a wave pool, there’s often an aqua inflatable obstacle course at no extra cost in the school holidays and it’s only half an hour from Rosliston.
Moorways Sports Village has a swimming pool with an inflatable courseCredit: UnknownRosliston Forestry Centre has woodland walks and cosy cabinsCredit: Alamy
Further afield, entry to the waterpark at Alton Towers starts at £18 a person, the Wave in Coventry costs £56 for two adults and two children during school holidays or a family ticket for four at Waterworld in Stoke is £92. They are all about an hour away.
Even if you splash out on a waterpark trip or two, you’ll still be quids in if you choose this Center Parcs alternative for your half-term break.
And Rosliston isn’t the only Forestry England site where you can stay overnight as well as visit for the day.
Forest Holidays offer hot tub lodges on 13 sites leased from Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.
You can get a midweek stay for a family of four from £860 over February half-term.
Some sites are near the coast and others have outdoor adventures like archery or zipwires.
Don’t forget to check cashback sites and membership schemes before you book as you may get an upfront discount code or money back after your stay.
Blue Light Card members can get up to £70 off Forest Holidays.
So why not head to the forest this February and be wowed by the wonders of the woodland all around us?
WHEN it comes to Valentine’s Day, there is often a lot of pressure to do something worthwhile, but you don’t have to splash out on a fancy meal to have a special day.
Skip the five-star restaurant meal and head to something more memorable for a fraction of the price.
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A cinema date doesn’t need to cost much and Wuthering Heights will be hitting screens on February 13Credit: Alamy
Under £50
Scavenger Hunt
Couples who love to explore together should head off on a scavenger hunt.
Available in various cities across the UK, Will Breaker offers a number of themed scavenger hunts from just £16.50 per person.
Each lasts around one-and-a-half hours and you get a photo memento at the end.
Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights finally hits our screens on February 13 – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The steamy film, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, will be shown at most major UK cinemas.
Tickets to see the new movie cost around £12.99 per adult, making it an affordable Valentine’s date.
Bouldering
For those who prefer a bit more of an active date, head bouldering.
The sport allows for lots of time chatting, but then also moments helping each other to reach the top of a climbing wall.
There are bouldering centres across the UK, so just search for the one neatest to you.
You can expect to pay around £10 for a pass, and if you need shoes and chalk a few more quid on top of that, per person.
If you fancy getting active, head boulderingCredit: Alamy
Pottery Cafes
Pottery is booming at the moment and with The Great Pottery Throw Down currently on Channel 4, what could be a better excuse than to head on a pottery-themed date?
Across the country there are lots of pottery cafes where you can select an item to paint.
Each item usually has a price, with many starting from around £10-£15 per item.
You then get to paint before your item is fired, usually for a small additional fee.
It is the perfect activity for the creative, but also for chilling and chatting.
Some cafes will even let you bring your own booze…
Pottery cafes are a great way of having some creative fun while chattingCredit: Alamy
Boom Battle Bar
Boom Battle Bar has venues across the country, and what is great about this attraction is that you can spend as little or as much as you want to.
Each bar has a range of activities including crazy golf, axe throwing, karaoke pods and shuffleboard.
You can either purchase a bundle to play multiple games and activities or pay as you go, with prices starting from £6 per person.
Wherever you are in the UK, you are never more than two to three hours by car from the sea.
And Valentine’s Day makes the ideal excuse to jump in the car for a miniroad trip to the beach.
Top spots include Brighton, where you will find a long pier full of fun activities, pebble beach and narrow alleys full of independent shops.
Alternatively, if in Cornwall or Somerset, why not explore the part of the South West Coast Path that runs through Devon.
You can head to the seaside too for a day tripCredit: Alamy
National Parks
There are many things you can do across the UK for free as well, and one of those things is visiting one of our many National Parks.
For example, you could head to Dartmoor in Devon to discover disused quarries, explore tors and see wild ponies.
Some spots in National Parks even have free parking.
Or you could head to Kielder Forest, which is has a public observatory and organises over 700 events a year.
The Kielder Observatory is one of the best places to see the night sky as it sits in Europe’s largest Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park.
There are also lots of forests across the UK with biking trails too, such as Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
The forest spans across 27,000 acres of woodland and sits between the Severn and Wye Rivers.
It was also England’s first National Forest Park and today is enjoyed for its hiking and cycling trails as well as attractions such as Puzzlewood.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be expensive…
National Parks also provide great cheap spots for walks and hikesCredit: Getty
Under £100
Murder mystery train experience
For something truly unique, head off on a murder mystery dining experience on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Steam Train.
Costing £100 for two people, you will solve crime while enjoying a meal.
The three-course meal is prepared onboard the train and over the duration of the journey you will see the Yorkshire countryside as you solve missions.
Fancy something more stationary? Then why not head to the stationary Victorian Train Carriage at Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration in London for a ‘journey’ on the Orient Express.
Over the course of 90 minutes, you will solve puzzles and enjoy cocktails and nibbles to unravel the truth behind a murder committed onboard.
The experience costs £80 for two people.
You could even head off on a murder mystery train experienceCredit: Alamy
Dancing under Hope the Whale, you can listen to music via headphones and dance with your partner in crime.
The disco starts at 9pm and finishes at midnight.
Tickets cost £36 per person for members or £40 per person for non-members.
If a silent disco isn’t your thing, on actual Valentine’s Day you can head to a museum late event where you can sip on cocktails and learn from the museum’s scientists.
There are even dance classes hosted by Pineapple Dance Studios,
The event starts at 6:45pm and ends at 10:30pm, with tickets costing £36 for members or £40 for non-members.
And the Natural History Museum is hosting a silent discoCredit: Alamy
The Big Bakes
Fan of Bake Off? Well, The Big Bakes might be the date spot for you.
The outdoor immersive 90-minute baking competition allows you to experience the thrill of a marquee just like the one from the TV show.
The Big Bakes has venues across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool with only a few spots left for Valentine’s Day.
In teams of two, you will create a cake using the tools and ingredients supplied.
The experience costs from £47.99 per person.
ABBA Voyage
Unlike your usual concert, ABBA Voyagefeatures digital ‘ABBAtar’ versions of the band as they looked when they performed in 1979.
The 100-minute show features the four members carrying out a concert as if they are actually on stage, with some of their biggest hits.
It truly is a mind-blowing experience, because you can’t believe the stars in front of you aren’t the real deal.
Seated tickets cost from £38.50 per person, but prices are higher on Valentine’s Day itself.
If you want to splash out extra, access to the Oceanbird Lounge costs £99 before the show and gets you unlimited food and drink.
If you or your other half is a fan of ABBA, head to ABBA Voyage to relive their songsCredit: PA
One-night hotel stay
Why not check-in for the night at a special hotel?
Many hotels across the UK still have availability for Valentine’s Day with prices under £100 total.
For example, you could head to Furzen Farmhouse in Cirencester for £86.
Set in historic stone building surrounded by countryside, the farmhouse has a kitchenette, lounge and picnic area.
Or you could head to The Belfry at Yarcombe for £87 including breakfast.
The four-star B&B is in an old school building and sits in the Blackdown Hills area, making it a great countryside retreat with picturesque walks.
Each bedroom is unique with original features including stained glass windows.
Under £200
Murder Mystery break for two
Across the UK several venues host murder mystery breaks for couples wanting to tackle a challenge together.
For example, via WOWcher, you could book a murder mystery break for two people, with hotel, a three-course meal and breakfast includes at 100 hotels across the country.
Ran by Murder 57, guests can choose where they want to stay – with destinations including Cardiff, Nottingham and Manchester – with 60 different plot lines also to choose from.
For example, you could enter the world of Agatha Christie with A Midsummer Murder.
It costs from £92.99 per person.
Luxury break at The Belfry Hotel and Resort
A romantic getaway is a classic Valentine’s gift and for less than £200 you could head to the Midlands for a break at the Belfry Hotel and Resort.
The hotels’s Love & Luxury Break includes an overnight stay with a three-course meal in the evening including a glass of prosecco each and then a a full English breakfast in the morning.
There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights too and guests get full access to The Club for fitness and wellness.
It costs from £169 per room.
You could even set sail on a mini cruise to AmsterdamCredit: Alamy
Amsterdam mini cruise
Fancy heading out of the country but don’t want to fly?
Well, if you happen to live near Newcastle you can head off on a two-night mini cruise to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.
Currently being offered on WOWcher for £92.99 per person, you could stay in a private two-berth cabin, get a glass of fizz each, have unlimited luggage allowance and get transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre.
The offer can be redeemed anytime until June 2026.
See a concert
While concert tickets do tend to sell out far in advance, sometimes people’s plans change and then tickets go on resale.
This is the case for some concerts on Valentine’s Day.
For example, you could see James Arthur at M&S Bank Arene Liverpool for £62.75 per person.
Or at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester you could see the Kaiser Chiefs for £51.75 per person.
There are also a number of concerts taking place on Valentine’s Day that you can grab last minute tickets tooCredit: Alamy
Spa day
There are lots of different places in the UK where you can head off to for a spa day.
For example, you could head to Riverhills Spa in Ipswich, Suffolk, to experience refurbished facilities.
You can even grab the ‘Sweet Valentine Package’, which includes a 30-minute treatment of your choice, four hours in the spa, hot chocolate and homemade chocolates and a robe, towel and slippers for £85 per person during the week or £95 per person at the weekend.
Alternatively, you could head to Rena Spa at The Midland in Manchester for a spa day for two.
Costing £91 per person, you will receive a meal, spa access and a 50-minute Mud Rasul treatment.
You will also get a complimentary glass of prosecco.
THE comedian John Tothill has been appeared in pubs and gig venues up and down the country, performing his stand-up routine to thousands of strangers.
So he’s better qualified than most to judge where is the the most welcoming spot in Blighty.
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Wigtown in Scotland is what John Tothill called the UK’s ‘friendliest town’Credit: AlamyJohn Tothill and Fatiha El-Ghorri travelled through Scotland to find hidden gemsCredit: Channel 4
It turns out, it’s a little seaside town called Wigtown in Ayrshire, Scotland
Fresh from his nomination for ‘Best Show’ at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards last year, John was back in Scotland to discover the country’s best hidden gems for a Channel 4 show called ‘Where To Next‘, with fellow comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri.
They quizzed plenty of Scots on the best lesser-known places to visit and ended up in Wigtown, after it was recommended by several people.
John told us: “Wigtown is probably the friendliest place I’ve ever been to in my life.
“I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice. It was full of enthusiastic people that loved living there.
“It’s a historic place, but of course it’s still modern because people live there. That’s why I think it’s a particularly lovely place to visit, it’s full of tourist attractions, but it’s not a museum.”
The town sits on the southwest coast of Scotland overlooking Wigtown Bay – Britain’s largest local nature reserve.
Wigtown’s claim to fame is that it’s Scotland’s National Book Town and has around 17 independently run second-hand bookshops.
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This includes Reading Lasses which is not only a bookshop, but also a café with a selection of cakes which you can enjoy in front of a log-burning fire in winter, or in the garden area during summer.
There’s also The Book Shop which is the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, with over a mile of shelving that holds 100,000 books.
The town holds a yearly book festival, which will be between September 25 and October 4 this year.
For a quirky way to spend a long-weekend, you can check into the flat above The Open Book and ‘play-bookshop’.
Holidaymakers can essentially manage their own bookshop during their stay, volunteer behind the till, make their own displays, and of course, read.
The experience is so in demand it has a two-year waiting list on Airbnb with the next available dates in January 2028.
It doesn’t come cheap either, four-nights at The Open Book for one person is £878.
Wigtown is filled with around 17 independently run second-hand bookshopsCredit: Channel 4You can even run your own bookshop at The Open BookCredit: Google maps
If you’re happy to stay somewhere without the bookshop experience then head to Booktown Bunkhouse where rooms start from £59 per night.
While Wigtown sits along the coast, it’s actually surrounded by marshes, and the bay is a nature reserve for birds like osprey and waders.
But you can still get beautiful sea views from the town, or if you want to head to the beach some of the nearest are Rigg Bay at Garlieston and pretty Monreith Bay.
40-minutes away from Wigtown is what John calls a ‘must-do experience’ while in Scotland.
Kitchen Coos & Ewes in Dumfries & Galloway offers a ‘hands-on highland cow experience’ visitors are given tours around the farm, and you can even give the younger calves a groom in the play-pen.
John said: “There were so many cows, and they were beautiful, really gorgeous.
“What the farmer told us is that highland cows don’t tire of human contact – and they don’t leave you alone.
“You have to stop grooming them because they will never have enough, so you have to set boundaries.”
Here you can have a guided experience, a selfie with the cows, groom them, tea and a bite to eat for £46 per person.
There are other options like the walking tour around the farm for £28pp, and even an ‘Insta Coo Tour’ where there’s ample time to take some enviable pictures from £24pp.
40-minutes in the other direction from Wigtown is Kirkcudbright, where John claims to have had some of the best food of his life at Swally n’ Scran.
You can pick up two courses for £19.95 – which includes scallops, haddock or crab.
John added: “The seafood is all locally sourced. I tried scallops andthe monkfish was incredible.”
One of the closest beaches to Wigtown is Monreith BayCredit: AlamyJohn Tothill and Fatiha El-Ghorri discovered hidden gems on ‘Where To Next’Credit: Channel 4
DO YOU love theme parks? Well, you could visit numerous across the UK for the price of just one ticket.
Merlin attractions has introduced an offer where guests can stay at one of their resorts and will receive an Essential Merlin Annual Pass (MAP).
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If you stayed at Alton Towers for one night for example, you would get a year pass to visit the other Merlin attractionsCredit: AlamyOr you could stay at Legoland Windsor Resort where there is a knight-themed roomCredit: Legoland Windsor Resort
Guests need to book between February 3 and March 1, for a stay at one of Merlin’s onsite hotels for anytime between now and June 26 and in return will be given a pass to visit Merlin attractions for free, for a year.
For example, you could stay onsite at Legoland Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park or Warwick Castle.
Known as the ‘Stay For A Night, Play For A Year’ offer, each guest will get a year-long pass to over 20 attractions.
Stays at many of the resorts are themed and often include breakfast as well.
If you wanted somewhere unique to stay, you could head to Alton Towers’ Stargazing Pods, which are set around a village green and have telescopes to see the night sky.
A one-night stay in one of these pods for a family of four costs from £160 and includes free parking.
Alternatively, if you want to visit Legoland Windsor Resort, there is the Woodland Village, Resort Hotel and Castle Hotel.
Inside the Castle Hotel guests can experience a world of magic, with rooms themed around knights, wizards and kingdoms far far away.
Some attraction accommodation sites also have exclusive perks such as nine-hole golf at Alton Towers Resort or events such as Legoland Windsor Resort’s 30th birthday bash.
When looking for a place to stay, make sure to book through the direct resort booking portal only as the offer is not available on third-party websites or with non-Merlin owned hotels.
Legoland Windsor Resort also has a Woodland Village which opened a couple of years agoCredit: Alamy
For example, Chessington World of Adventures’ portal shows Hilton hotels nearby, but the offer will not apply to stays at these hotels.
Instead you should stay at the Azteca and Safari Resort Hotels onsite, which are especially ideal for fans of Julia Donaldson as there is a Gruffalo themed room.
You could also see breathtaking views of the capital on the London Eye or venture into the past at The London Dungeon.
Alternatively, head to Cadbury World in Birmingham, where visitors can head on a self-guided tour, learning about chocolate-making and the brand’s history.
In total, the experience has 14 interactive zones.
Passholders will also get 10 per cent off of Fastrack products, as well as food and drink.
What’s it like to stay at Legoland Windsor Resort?
SUN REPORTER Owen Anslow stayed at Legoland Windsor Resort and here’s what he thought…
Tucked away in the trees of Legoland Windsor Resort is the wonderful new Woodland Village, home to 130 lodges set in cute cul-de-sacs, all with their own mini playgrounds.
This charming cabin retreat, amid lush greenery, was our home for the weekend (my wife, myself and our very own woodland critter, aged eight).
Set against the backdrop of theme park craziness, the Woodland Village is a calm oasis where parents can recharge batteries – and refill wine glasses.
The £35million development is Legoland’s first carbon-neutral accommodation – a fact emphasised by the wooden keycards you collect at check-in.
And in true Legoland fashion, our cabin is gloriously childish and bright in its design – like a giant version of something my son would craft from the avalanche of bricks strewn throughout the house.
The standard lodges sleep five people, with a double bed in the main room and the kids’ area next door – complete with your standard Lego-making pit, TV and bunk beds.
Premium lodges are slightly bigger and sleep seven, with a mezzanine area overlooking a lounge section, and around the back of the village are 20 trendy glamping barrels.
The clever Woodland Village AR Experience kept our boy busy for a while, bringing to life plants and animals on the cabin walls, while Mum and Dad snuck in some downtime on the decking outside.
Everything in the Woodland Village is so enchanting that you’d be forgiven for wanting to stay there all weekend instead of heading to the theme park.
One night’s B&B at Legoland Woodland Village is from £69pp, based on four people sharing a Woodland Barrel and including entry to the Legoland Windsor theme park and a round of Legoland Adventure golf.
