Staycation tips and ideas

DROPPING £40 on dinner usually gets you standard pub grub these days – but I’ve found a deal for a posh two-course meal on the Thames for even less.

This City Cruises Thames lunch cruise is currently on sale, with tickets costing £38 instead of the usual £53.

Click below to book a City Cruises lunchtime cruise from £38

City Cruises offers loads of experiences on the Thames, from Afternoon Tea and fancy dinner cruises to jazz, murder mystery and Elvis tribute nights. Click here to browse all the options.

I put their most popular cruise – the Lunch Cruise – to the test to see what you actually get for your money. Spoiler alert: I was pretty blown away.

The tour begins at Tower Milennium Pier, which is right beside the Tower of London.

After scanning my ticket, I stepped onboard to find a fancy dining area with huge floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking up the views.

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Tables are laid with crisp white tablecloths, and once you are seated, friendly waiters are soon swooping in to serve you glasses of wine, cocktails or soft drinks.

After relaxing into my seat, we soon set off to gently drift along the Thames.

I sipped my wine and enjoyed the views, and, within 15 minutes, a delicious main course was placed in front of me.

For the main event, diners choose between a hearty white bean and oyster mushroom cassoulet or a roasted chicken supreme. Do note that drinks, other than tea and coffee with pudding, are an add-on.

I opted for the chicken and was genuinely stunned. It was drenched in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and paired with an indulgent, cheesy fondant potato.

It’s a dish that could easily hold its own in a top-tier London restaurant – which makes it all the more impressive aboard a moving boat.

Click below to bag a lunch cruise for £38 – or browse offers

Then dessert arrived: a baked cheesecake bursting with a molten white chocolate centre, topped with sweet raspberry coulis.

I washed it down with a warming cup of tea, and decided to head up to the upper deck to soak up the views.

We had cruised from Tower Milennium Pier all the way along to Canary Wharf, taking in the contrast between London’s old maritime docks and the ultra-modern skyscrapers of London’s financial district.

After pausing to soak up the glittering lights of the financial hub and the towering skyscrapers reflecting off the water, we turned around to make our way towards the main event: Big Ben.

There were plenty of impressive sights along the way, and the tour guide, who stood out on the open-air deck to share his expertise, revealed plenty of fascinating facts.

We glided under nine magnificent bridges and learned all about their history.

One of my favourite facts I learned was that the famous Tower Bridge was originally painted a drab chocolate brown before being given its vibrant red, white, and blue colours for the Queen‘s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

The expert guide also explained how the modern Millennium Bridge famously had to close just two days after opening because it wobbled so violently under the footsteps of pedestrians.

After cruising past the legendary Globe Theatre (and spotting the pub that Shakespeare used to frequent: The Anchor) we drifted right past the London Eye.

It was amazing to see the landmark up-close and take in its size, watching teeny tiny people in their pods raised high above the impressive London skyline.

Soon we reached Big Ben, where we paused on the water to take in the views and take photos.

The view from the water was breath-taking – plus it was far more peaceful taking in the landmark from the boat than the noisy, bustling streets surrounding it.

I snapped some shots before we headed back down to Tower Milennium Pier, feeling far more knowledgeable – and full – than I had before stepping aboard that day.

Overall, I think the lunch cruise is a fantastic way to tick off London’s major sights in one go.

And when you consider the fancy meal that’s also included, I think this cruise is the ideal experience for a date, birthday or special occasion.

Click below to browse offers at City Cruises

Prices correct at the time of publication.

RIGHT now there are hundreds of holidays available to book over at the £9.50 Holiday website.

But if you want to bag one you’ll have to move fast, as this is the final £9.50 Holiday sale of the year – and they’re going quick.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month / £12 per year

The breaks listed on the website are for autumn holidays this year, or to book ahead for 2027. This means you could bag a stay at your favourite £9.50 holiday park for next year before anyone else.

How to book one? Don’t worry if you haven’t been collecting code words from the paper – you can gain immediate access to these holidays by signing up to Sun Club.

Simply click here to sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month (or £12 for an entire year) and you’ll unlock the final £9.50 holiday deals of the year.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most exciting and popular UK holiday parks which you can book now.

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Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach

Sitting on a sandy stretch of Suffolk shoreline, Kessingland Beach Holiday Park offers easy access to a beautiful beach and lush woodlands beyond.

Whether you’re heading out for a family bike ride or taking a bucket and spade to the golden sands on your doorstep, this holiday park is in a pretty unbeatable location.

If you fancy a day trip, the historic Somerleyton Hall and Gardens is just a short drive away, where you can stroll through manicured grounds and take on a classic hedge maze.

Southwold pier is also nearby, lined with amusements and ice cream shops.

Hayling Island Holiday Park

Just east of Portsmouth, this holiday park on Hayling Island is surrounded by sprawling beaches and quirky surprises that truly set it apart from other parks.

Beyond the staple adventure playground and splash zones, families can tackle a Wipeout inflatable course, play a few rounds of disc golf, or put their pets to the test on the ‘Tough Mutter’ dog agility track.

After dark, the on-site entertainment dials up the fun with high-energy Glow Show DJ battles and dedicated Queen tribute nights.

To truly pamper the family, book one of the luxury caravans and end your action-packed days by sinking into a bubbling private hot tub.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month / £12 per year

Skirlington Coast

With a recent £10m cash injection, Skirlington Coast is the perfect pick to book ahead for next summer.

One exciting new addition is the ‘Festival Gardens’ – a brightly decorated, fairy-lit outdoor zone which is perfect for kicking back with a cocktail on a summer evening.

Add a brand-new lido to the mix, sheltered by a yellow-striped canopy and surrounded by colorful beach huts and loungers, and you’ve got the ultimate seaside holiday vibe on-site.

Indoors, you’ll find a pool with a kids’ splash zone, a sauna and hot tub for grown-ups, plus new activities like axe throwing and a mini bike pump track.

St Ives Bay Beach Resort

This £9.50 holiday park delivers a glamorous Cornish coastal escape on a budget and you can upgrade a standard holiday home to a glass-roofed ‘Stargazer’ caravan, a cozy luxury pod, or a sprawling sea-view family lodge.

The beach is just steps away when you want to unwind by the waves, plus there’s plenty of unique activities for kids like Nerf wars, disc golf and an open-air cinema.

If the weather turns, there’s an indoor heated pool, arcade, and lively evening entertainment to keep everybody entertained.

Plus, you’re perfectly positioned here for a day trip into St Ives to explore its postcard-perfect harbour and maze of independent art boutiques.

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay

Sitting a stone’s throw from Scarborough and Filey Beach, this North Yorkshire resort is the ultimate pick for outdoors-y, thrill-seeking families.

Beyond the sprawling swimming pool, there’s activities like high ropes, hoverboards, and bumper zorbs.

Accommodation comes as cosy caravans and luxury lodges, and if you’re feeling ultra-fancy, you can opt for a glam lodge with a hot tub.

Furthermore, family-favourite theme park Flamingo Land is around 40 minutes drive away.

A MUCH-LOVED Devonshire beach and pier could soon be forced to close.

Teignmouth beach and pier in Devon are popular spots for holidaymakers in the summer months.

However, both could soon disappear.

It comes as work to stop erosion taking parts of the beach away may not be completed until 2030.

According to the Mid-Devon Advertiser, the Environment Agency (EA) is working on a case to secure Government money for the work.

Reportedly, erosion has sped over the past few years and as a result, some of the structural piles holding up the pier have been exposed.

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A petition calling for urgent action to save the beach and pier has been signed by over 900 people.

While coastal erosion is natural, there is a risk of safety if it continues at Teignmouth Beach.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “Teignmouth seafront is an important local landmark.

“This work is ongoing, but the funding needed to develop the project further is not currently available.”

A decision on funding is unlikely to occur before 2028/2029, according to the EA.

If it is approved then, work would be set to be completed by 2030.

Back in January, part of the historic pier washed away and the sea wall next to the railway line crumbled due to storm damage.

In fact, over the years the pier has suffered several closures due to storm damage.

One of the most notable closures was in 2014, when massive waves and high winds damaged multiple parts of the pier forcing it to close for seven months.

Since 2014 and to date, the wider 30- metre deck at the end of the pier has been closed as it is deemed unsafe.

This is the part of the pier that then fell into the sea earlier this year.

With the pier’s structure now exposed, if another storm were to happen it could damage the pier further.

This could result in the local council cordoning off the beach and shutting the pier for safety reasons.

Teignmouth Grand Pier was built between 1865 and 1867 and used to be a landing stage for steamboats.

The 190-metre-long pier then became a popular tourist destination.

At one point, the pier was home to a ballroom at its end, however this was later destroyed in a fire.

There would be performances on the pier too including ‘Peg-leg Pete’ who was a one-legged performer that would set himself on fire before jumping into the sea.

Today, the pier features a range of amusement arcades and penny slot machines.

A HISTORIC UK attraction is set to close after more than 60 years.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest in Hampshire will close after six decades.

The museum sits in a purpose built building but has reached the end of its lease, which it has been unable to renew.

The museum, which is home to around 250 heritage vehicles, wanted to extend its lease by 50 years.

The lease expires in 2032, but the museum will move out of the building in 2030.

The Trust has already started looking for a new location to house its collection of vehicles.

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The decision was made due to a number of reasons including rejected National Lottery funding.

A spokesperson for the museum said: “Changes to the organisational structure of the charity will start taking place from later this year as it pivots towards its future direction, and the resource it requires to do so.

“Any changes to the physical collection and the management of that will take place in a carefully managed and gradual way over the next four years.”

The museum welcomes 300,000 visitors each year and opened back in 1972.

Famous cars in the museum’s collection include Mr Bean’s Mini, Del Boy’s Reliant van and the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Overall, the museum is home to 1.9million items.

To enter the museum, you’ll need to get a ticket which covers the museum, Palace House, gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and the monorail.

Tickets cost from £24.80 per adult and £14.57 per child.

BOOKING is open to secure your 2027 £9.50 holiday before anyone else.

Hundreds of new breaks across £9.50 holiday parks have landed on The Sun’s £9.50 Holidays website – including autumn getaways and dates you can pre-book for 2027.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

Haven’t been collecting codes from the paper? Don’t worry – you can instantly unlock the holidays by signing up to Sun Club.

Simply sign up to Sun Club and you will gain access to a special Offers Page, where you can access the new £9.50 holidays instantly.

Sun Club membership costs £1.99 per month (or £12 for the year), and also includes benefits like two-for-one attraction tickets, free darts and horse racing tickets, and freebies like books, skincare kits and more.

We’ve rounded up popular £9.50 holiday parks that have had major glow-ups recently, plus picks like the largest holiday park in the UK and resorts packed with kids’ activities.

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Seal Bay Resort, Selsey

Crowned as the most popular £9.50 holiday park last year, Seal Bay is one of the most action-packed resorts on England‘s south coast.

Its £18 million ‘White Horse‘ complex is home to a large entertainment venue, multi-level soft play, sports courts, an arcade, bowling, an outdoor pool and more rolled into one action-packed zone.

Not to mention this park has its own mile-long stretch of private beach. On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Wight from across the water.

Forget a standard swimming pool – this park boasts a massive indoor water complex complete with a surf simulator, plus an outdoor lido for sunny days.

The park is built like a mini village, with plenty of shops and amenities on each corner, meaning you can easily spend an entire week here without ever needing to leave the gates.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire

Sitting atop rugged East Yorkshire cliffs, Skirlington Leisure Park offers sweeping sea views and direct access to beautiful beaches.

This park recently received a £10 million cash injection, with a brand new waterpark, lido and activities like axe throwing and a mini bike pump track introduced this year.

The waterpark spans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.

Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.

The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if the weather does take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.

Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.

The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.

Unity Beach

Following a major £10 million refurbishment, Unity Beach now has a new lido, waterpark and festival gardens.

There’s also plans to upgrade the site’s entertainment complex with a new showbar that will seat over 1,000, so securing your £9.50 holiday for next year now gives you the best chances of seeing all these new upgrades in-person.

The site’s waterpark pairs indoor and outdoor splash zones with high-speed flumes and rubber-ring rides.

Just next door, guests can access Brean Theme Park, which is the UK’s largest free-to-enter theme park. It packs in over 40 rides, ranging from white-knuckle rollercoasters to classic bumper cars.

Best of all, seven miles of open sand at Brean Sands sit directly opposite the resort grounds.

Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

Sprawling across 235 acres of lakes and countryside in Northamptonshire, Billing Aquadrome is designed to keep even hard-to-please teenagers off their phones.

Where else can kids feed alpacas, ride on a BMX pump track, learn TikTok dances, and ride a miniature railway all in one afternoon?

Kids can go full Total Wipeout on the lake’s massive inflatable obstacle course, while younger ones get stuck into slime-making and outdoor survival workshops.

When the sun goes down, the outdoor cinema becomes a popular spot with its open-air cinema screenings, plus there’s also silent discos and live shows in a giant outdoor amphitheatre.

Refuelling the family is easy thanks to loaded burgers at Smash’d Town and sweet snacks from the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop.

To top it all off, you can fall asleep right on the water’s edge by booking a stay in a cosy lakeside pod.

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As the UK’s biggest holiday park – and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.

Sitting in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.

But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.

Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.

Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Golden Sands Holiday Park in the seaside town of Rhyl is the ideal base to explore North Wales.

This park puts you within short driving distance of legendary castles such as Gwyrch and Bodelwyddan, plus there’s beautiful nature spots like Dyserth Waterfall on your doorstep.

When you aren’t out exploring, on-site there’s a heated indoor pool, arcades, a sports court, plus a soft play area.

Plus there’s plenty of activities that kids will love such as slime workshops and NERF gun battles.

Grab some dinner from the site’s traditional fish and chip shop before settling down to watch the live entertainment kick off in the evening.

The fantastic evening entertainment includes family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.

Newquay Bay Holiday Resort

Newquay Bay is one of the fancier holiday parks available with Hols from £9.50, and feels more like an expensive coastal retreat.

Take a dip in its serene indoor and outdoor heated pools, or take lessons with the on-site surf school, prepping you to hit the waves at nearby Porth beach.

If you fancy a pamper, there’s a hair and beauty salon, alongside a sauna and steam room to truly unwind.

You can even walk across the beach’s narrow footbridge to Porth Island to explore an ancient Iron Age fort, before grabbing a pint at The Mermaid Inn, which sits directly on the beach.

Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

THERE aren’t many places where you can watch the Grand Prix then have a round of golf before relaxing in a spa.

But at the Whittlebury Park Hotel — just a stone’s throw from Silverstone — you can do all that and much more.

The privately owned 4* hotel in Nottinghamshire boasts one of the UK’s largest spas, while its championship golf course has played host to some of the world’s top golfers.

And better still, it is just a ten-minute drive from the mecca of motorsport and its brilliant museum.

In fact, it’s so close to Silverstone you can hear the cars bombing round the track while you enjoy a clotted cream tea overlooking the 300-acre estate.

The central courtyard is a great spot in the summer, thanks to the buckets of games for kids — including a pickleball court I struggled to tear my seven-year-old away from.

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It also has two fantastic games rooms stuffed with table tennis, air hockey, darts, a giant KerPlunk set, PlayStation 5, and loads more.

And next-door, a movie room is set up with dozens of films, bean bags and complimentary popcorn.

You could easily spend a day just chilling there.

But my kids don’t chill and they are up at daybreak — which is when the early opening time (6.30am) at the swimming pool came in handy.

We left the kids splashing about to indulge in some much-needed quiet time in the sauna and steam room.

Budding golfers, on the other hand, will want to get themselves out on the championship course to practise their swing.

And if that’s not enough, the hotel is also home to a driving range, simulators, PGA professional coaches and an award-winning clubhouse.

If you’re a mega fan, make sure to book a room overlooking the course.

Our lovely family room had great views of the green so I could watch people putt while the kids tucked in to the welcome hamper full of sweeties and biscuits.

Aside from the golf and kid-friendly fun, one of the best things about Whittlebury is its location.

Silverstone Museum is just five minutes away in the car, with tonnes of interactive stuff.

This includes a state-of-the-art immersive VR experience called Black Cats and Chequered Flags where visitors can try out life in the pit lane before taking to the track alongside F1 legend Alberto Ascari.

There is also an incredible collection of classic racing cars and bikes.

And most days there is real-life action taking place on the circuit.

Guests can wander down to stand next to the Wellington straight and Luffield corner as the cars scream by.

When the kids tire of the car gimmicks, Warwick Castle is around an hour’s drive away.

The place tends to be heaving on Fridays in the school summer holidays (we learned the hard way) but the scale of the old fortress is certainly breathtaking — literally, that is, if you want to climb to the top of the tower and along the ramparts.

Its main hall is bursting with a staggering collection of weapons and chivalric suits of armour.

But the star attraction is the medieval jousting contest, set in a brilliant historical recreation of the War of the Roses.

There’s also a falconry show, archery and a terrifying dungeon experience (for kids aged ten and over).

Little ones don’t need to miss out, either, with Zog’s play area and a Horrible History maze.

At the end of our two-night stay, our very active children had barely had a moment’s downtime — racing round the attractions like the cars at the Silverstone race track.

So start your engines. You’re in for a great ride at Whittlebury.

THE final £9.50 holidays for 2026 are being released this weekend – meaning it’s your last chance to book an amazing autumn break.

Popular parks like Trecco Bay, Vauxhall and Unity Beach are but a few that you will be able to book from this Sunday, with plenty of October and November breaks opening up.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

We’ve rounded up the £9.50 holiday parks that are perfect to book for an autumn break – with Monster Ball Halloween parties, coastal castles, ghost walks and plenty of indoor action for the wet weather.

When it comes to booking, you can completely skip the hassle of collecting daily newspaper codes by joining Sun Club. Plus you can book your holiday from midnight while those collecting codes have to wait until the morning.

For £1.99 a month or £12 a year, Sun Club members unlock instant access to the £9.50 Hols booking from midnight this Sunday, August 23. That means you can bag the most popular parks before dates sell out.

Whether you’re treating the kids to an action-packed Halloween break, or craving a cosy couples’ escape surrounded by crunching orange leaves, here are our top £9.50 Holiday parks for an autumn getaway.

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Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands boasts not one but four indoor heated swimming pools as well as waterslides, meaning pool time doesn’t have to end when the weather cools down.

There’s loads for adventurous kids here, like the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, an outdoor high-ropes course, a virtual reality gaming suite and laser tag arenas.

Venture outdoors for a brisk coastal walk along the five mile-long beach – it will make heading back for a warming hot chocolate all the more rewarding.

This park is also a 10-minute drive from the medieval hilltop town of Rye, where ghost tours take place along its lantern-lit cobblestone streets and a chilling castle museum overlooks the marshes.

Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth

Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth is built for indoor family fun, perfect for unpredictable British weather.

Kids can spend hours in the Tropical Waterworld – complete with slides and a splash zone – or burn off energy tackling the indoor soft play.

During October half-term, the park hosts Halloween events such as ghost walks, fancy dress contests, arts and crafts sessions and even the Monster Ball party – which takes place across all Parkdean resorts.

Out in Great Yarmouth you can stop by Fairground Frights at Pleasure Beach for a spooky theme park takeover, or even sit down to the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome Circus.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay sits on the North Yorkshire coast, just a 30-minute drive from Whitby, the home of Dracula.

Here families can tour the withered ruins of Whitby Abbey, or join Dracula-themed ghost walks.

Whitby is also home to the best fish and chip shop in the UK, so you can sit down to an award-winning chippy tea with pretty harbour views after a full day’s exploring.

If you’re not into the spooky stuff, this action-packed park has a heated indoor pool with water flumes, an indoor high-ropes course, and an on-site arcade.

Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire

This park sits at the edge of 130 acres of Bowland forest, giving you direct access to endless woodland trails – which burst with beautiful orange leaves in autumn.

The park even sits within an officially designated dark sky reserve, meaning stargazing here is particularly spectacular, making for the perfect October or November break.

As for accommodation, you can pick between classic caravans, modern apartments, spacious lodges and even the cosy Bowland Fell Cottage.

On-site, you can eat at the 17th-century Crowtrees Inn, a refurbished traditional stone pub with open log fires and local pints.

Bowland Fell offers a relaxed break centred around local nature and fantastic walking trails, perfect for couples and outdoors-y families.

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, Trecco Bay is certianly equipped with enough activities to handle rainy days.

The resort houses a massive indoor Splashland, a full-sized bowling alley, an arcade, and a soft play area to name but a few things to do here.

Throughout October half term, the entertainment team runs daily Halloween craft sessions, spooky game shows, and pumpkin carving workshops.

There’s over 2,000 caravans and lodges here, ranging from affordable, comfy caravans to luxurious lodges with hot tubs.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

THE sun was beating down on the harbour walls where parents and their children were perched, gawping down into the water.

One youngster was giggling with delight at her bucket, which was filled with scuttling crustaceans from her succesful attempts at crabbing.

Holidays in the UK don’t get much better than this.

And with Britain basking in weather as hot as the Med over the past few months, there’s been even less of a need to fork out on flights abroad.

I was in Wells-next-the-Sea, a quaint Norfolk town home to trendy boutiques, quayside pubs and a pretty beach backed by rows of colourful beach huts.

As a large family of five, we’d decided to ditch the pricey hotel in favour of Pinewoods Holiday Park, which occupies a gorgeous perch, set a short way back from the ocean.

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It was the first time in a while that a place had exceeded my expectations.

When we arrived at our six-person lodge, I heard a swift declaration of “I could live here!”

The spacious Saltmarsh Lodge — there was ample room for our group, plus the dog — embraced its position near the coast with its wooden panelling and white slatted ceilings, and its three cosy bedrooms were spotlessly clean.

The master bedroom came with a kingsize bed, spacious en-suite and chic dressing area while the other two had twin beds and a separate bathroom.

My favourite part was the open-plan dining, kitchen and living area, where light poured in from the glass doors, large windows and skylight.

We spent most of our evenings in here, settled on the squishy sofas and armchairs playing cards and board games in front of the coal-effect fire.

Afternoons were spent on the wraparound deck, which was delightfully cool thanks to the trees that offered shade from the sun.

The fact it was all enclosed was a big selling point as it meant our furry friend could pad about freely with little chance of escape.

And as we sat on the decking with a tipple, we couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful the setting was.

Apart from the obvious visual giveaway, you’d never have guessed that there were more than 100 pitches surrounding us.

Around the corner from our lodge was an on-site playground, an allotment (reserved for holiday home owners) and a shop for all the essentials. We’d stocked up on everything we needed for tasty breakfasts, such as pastries, eggs and condiments.

When in Norfolk, you have to buy the locally made Krusty Loaf bread, which is baked fresh every day and raved about in the area.

The white loaf, with lashings of butter and scrambled egg, went down a treat.

After an indulgent first breakfast, we took a mid-morning stroll to the beach where the dunes are backed by brightly decorated beach huts and, beyond that, a pine forest.

With the sea reachable in just ten minutes, it meant that the dog could be frolicking in the water in no time.

You could easily spend a whole day here, with a pit stop at the Wells Beach Cafe, which serves up cracking bacon butties and frothy coffee.

It also has a pizza corner and an ice cream bar, as well as soft and hard drinks, including Prosecco.

But if you’re not much of a beach lover, the main town centre on the other side of the holiday lodge is well worth a potter around.

The port town has a history dating back more than 400 years and is still renowned for its fresh seafood.

I was drawn more to its trendy shops than the fish, though — Glitter & Mud does some excellent trinkets, from homeware to clothing.

Make sure to pop into The Golden Fleece for a pint, too, which we enjoyed on its small patio while seagulls squawked overhead.

Before we knew it, three nights had rolled by and we had to wave goodbye to our cosy lodge.

But we couldn’t leave until we had ticked off one British seaside staple: fish and chips.

A lengthy queue forms outside Plattens every evening — and for good reason.

Its batter is wonderfully crispy and its curry sauce packs a punch.

Like I said earlier, holidays in the UK don’t get much better than this.

THIS weekend will be the last chance for Sun readers to book a £9.50 holiday this year.

There are still plenty of bargains to be booked with The Sun’s £9.50 holidays – and you’ll get first pick if you’re a Sun Club member.

Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

Traditionally, Sun readers collect codes in the newspaper to enter onto the Hols from £9.50 website to unlock access to booking.

But if you’re a Sun Club member, there’s no need to collect any codes – you’ll get automatic access earlier than those collecting codes

Sun Club Members can skip collecting codes in the paper and go straight to the booking page to bag a last-minute break at their choice of park.

Members can access the hols from midnight on Sunday, August 23, whereas those collecting codes in the paper will have to wait until the morning to purchase a paper to collect their final codeword.

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Here’s how to book a £9.50 holiday with Sun Club:

1. Sign up to Sun Club by clicking here.
2. Once you’re signed up, head to the Sun Club offers hub- or click here.
3. Gain automatic access to the booking your hols from midnight on Sunday, August 23.

Booking opens on Sunday, August 23 and closes on September 21.

However, you’ll want to be logged on and ready as soon as it opens, so that you can bag the holiday park you want before it sells out.

The Sun’s £9.50 Holiday Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy recommends using the ‘Midnight Service’ trick to bag your holiday.

This means being logged on and ready with the parks and dates you want in mind from around 11:55pm on Saturday night, so that once it hits midnight you can go straight to booking.

Some popular UK parks with new dates available include Parkdean Resorts’ Kessingland Beach, Trecco Bay, Camber Sands and Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth.

You can also book a Park Holidays resort like Sand le Mere or Lossiemouth, as well as Lyons resorts like Sunnysands or stay at Hendra and Unity Beach.

There are even European breaks available at resorts in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

These parks still have availability to book a break this autumn, so whether you’re looking to jet off abroad for some last-minute sun, or book a cosy UK Halloween break, the choice is yours.

You can even book ahead and secure a holiday for next year, which is a nifty trick to avoid the January £9.50 holiday rush.

Signing up to Sun Club costs £1.99 per month or £12 per year.

Not only does it make booking your £9.50 holiday a lot easier, but there are plenty more benefits and freebies exclusive to Sun Club members.

Savvy Sun Club member (and Queen of the £9.50 holiday) Tracy Kennedy saved nearly £1,000 in one year on family hols and days out by being a Sun Club member.

This is because being a member gets you discounts on attractions, holidays, and there are even some freebie goodies thrown in there, too.

Sun Club members can currently bag 2-for-1 Diggerland tickets, four free tickets to the races per year and free goodies like skincare kits and audio books.

Once you’re a member, check out the Offers Hub to see the full list of goodies you can claim.

Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year

LONDON is one of the most expensive cities in the world for a holiday.

Whether that means spending six quid on a coffee, £10 for a pint or the bill you rack up constantly tapping in and out of transport – a visit to the city certainly isn’t cheap.

And when it comes to finding somewhere to stay not only can the choice be overwhelming, with around 3,000 hotels to choose from, but it can also be yet another huge expense.

In fact, the average three-star London hotel costs £161 per night and if you are wanting something a little better quality, one night in a four-star property can set you back around £249.

So finding somewhere to rest your head that doesn’t rinse your budget for food, drink and entertainment can feel almost impossible.

Lucky for you, we have tried and tested a tonne of hotels in the capital and here are the very best that are under £100 per night…

The Drey

Streamlined hotels are becoming increasingly common in cities, scraping all of the extra offerings in exchange for cheaper prices.

One of the newest – and most affordable – is The Drey in Earls Court.

Staff are on hand at the lobby but the tech-focused hotel lets you open your room via your phone rather than a physical card.

I stayed in the smallest room, The Snug, although there are also bunk-bed rooms, rooms for six people or windowless rooms for people who “take beauty sleep seriously”.

Complimentary toiletries, a coffee machine and compact bathrooms make it feel more like a four-star hotel.

For anything else you need, there is direct Whatsapp contact with hotel staff who can help out.

The on-site restaurant has been skipped, but they’ve teamed up with local cafe Elixis with a 10 per cent discount.

Rooms start from £84 (with 20 per cent off August stays right now). Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Moxy

Think grown up hostels but in hotel form and you get Moxy.

There’s pool tables in the lobby, welcome cocktails on arrival, and 24-hour bars.

The rooms feel airy and light but with nice touches – some have bunk beds, others have funky LED lighting.

But go downstairs and you’ll usually find great music, bars that feel more like clubs and enough of a vibe that you don’t need to leave, if you’re too exhausted from a day of sightseeing but still fancy a drink.

Gyms and on-site restaurants finish it off so they tick all the boxes even on a budget. It’s not just in the city either, as they even have airport hotels too.

Albeit, these are usually a bit more pared back when it comes to the interiors, but offer the same atmosphere of a jazzed-up budget hotel.

Rooms start from £55 a night. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Yotel

Did you know there is a hotel whose designs were based on first class plane cabins?

Yotel is known for its famous white and purple decor, and being a great affordable option in the city not just in the UK, but also in the US, Amsterdam, Porto and even recently Japan.

Their city stays are ideal when you want a simple, but clean place to stay in a great location.

I’ve stayed in Yotel City which has fantastic views of London’s iconic landmarks like St Pauls and The Shard.

The rooms themselves are simple and functional but clean, with one of their famous features being the reclining bed, going from a space-saving sofa to a full bed.

Small cubby holes for all your gadgets and compact toilets and showers; they come with towels and toiletries.

Some have gyms and restaurants, as well as umbrellas you can rent and 24-hour grab-and-go stations.

Skip the room being made up and you can even get a discount at the bar. Rooms start from £85. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

easyHotel

Not content with just having flights, easyHotel offers the same affordable offerings the airline is known for, but in hotel form.

Found all across Europe, most of the UK destinations are in major cities including London, Newcastle and Leeds.

Expect very basic rooms – large beds, towels and compact bathrooms with unfancy toiletries – but all you need if you need a hotel as a base.

The iconic orange branding is even dotted throughout the hotels.

You won’t find much else apart from a lobby and vending machine, so no gyms or bars here.

You’ll also have to pay extra if you want them to store your bags, but there is a 24/7 reception if you need help at any time of the day.

And for the central location – I’ve stayed in both the London City Shoreditch and London Victoria – the basic price isn’t one to be sniffed at.

Rooms from £41 a night (15 per cent off for three or more night stays). Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Zedwell

Would you be willing to sleep underground without any windows? If you want a mega cheap city stay simply as a base to rest, then Zedwell is your hotel.

The Zedwell Tottenham Court Road takes you four floors below ground, with all the rooms being windowless.

Even as someone who is claustrophobic, I was surprised with how I felt cosy rather than trapped.

The only sound was the slight rumbling of the London Underground trains going overheard which was weirdly soothing.

Being such a budget hotel, don’t expect much else at the hotel – there’s a lobby with a vending machine, as well as a ‘beauty and ironing room’ if you need some extra amenities to get ready.

But in your room there is an ensuite with towels and toiletries, so what more could you need?

The TVs have been skipped (all in the name of better sleep) but it has fully working WiFi despite its underground location.

Rooms from £66 a night. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Bob W

Standing for ‘Best of Both Worlds’, Bob W has since expanded to London after success elsewhere in Europe.

Mixing all the benefits of both the perks of hotels and the freedom of Airbnb, this means mini kitchenettes and even laundry facilities at some of them.

The rooms are chic, feeling a lot fancier than the price suggests. Free Wifi, toiletries and towels, as well as complimentary luggage storage are all included in the price.

Forgotten something? Some even have complimentary lockers in reception for things like coffee pods and toilet roll if you run out.

But with no lobby or reception, everything is done via the Bob W app, and a Whatsapp chat if needed.

Due to their central location, you will easily find somewhere to eat and drink nearby if you need something, as there are no restaurants or bars within the hotel.

Or you can add on a breakfast package, usually teaming up with a local cafe.

Rooms from £70 a night (five per cent off with free Bob’s Inner Circle loyalty scheme). Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Premier Inn

You can never go wrong with a Premier Inn in my opinion, and I’ve stayed in my fair share of them. (To prove my credentials, I even have the Premier Inn pillows at home).

But I’ve stayed in them all over the country, especially when it comes to weddings and hen dos, as well as at airports before an early flight.

For £35 a night, you get a clean, simple room, usually with a fairly standard but satisfying menu of food and drink from the onsite restaurant.

One of the most beautiful I’ve stayed at is the newish hub Premier Inn London Farringdon (Old Bailey) which has turned an old Victorian police station (hub being the compact city-centre affordable sister brand).

If you want some peace and quiet, book a room on the quiet floors, while their upgraded Next Evolution rooms are also being rolled out.

And with kids staying and eating for free, it’s no wonder the budget hotel chain is so well-loved.

Want to go even smaller? Try the ZIP by Premier Inn – even more basic but £25 a night.

Rooms from £35 a night. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

The Z Hotel

Z Hotels Gloucester Place is home to a room package that is all-inclusive, which means you get soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch and dinner all included in the price.

The Z Club room is exclusive to the Gloucester Place hotel and inside each room you will find a king-size bed and ensuite.

While the rooms are nothing special, they are spacious and have everything you need.

And you can’t argue with the location – Marble Arch tube station is just a 10-minute walk away, and Baker Street is a five-minute walk away.

Guests can check in from 3pm, which is what I did and I beelined straight for the dining area where I helped myself to afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macarons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.

You can also order items from a menu, including salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta or a salad.

In the evening, cheese and wine appears – you just have to ask the host for a glass of wine, but you can have as many glasses as you like.

In the morning, breakfast then consists of toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and pastries. A Z Club Room costs from £110 per night, which is just £55 per person, per night. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Zedwell Pods

Zedwell is one of the city’s newest hotels to open, right in the middle of Piccadilly Circus where you can normally expect hotels to have high prices.

Not Zedwell – the new hotel claims to be the world’s biggest capsule hotel, and with that, comes the small price of just £30 a night.

That definitely makes it the cheapest hotel room in the city (unless you want to bunk up in an 18-bed dorm).

Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors.

It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside.

On first glance, the dorm rooms, which are minimalist and dimly-lit looked a bit like a car park or a storage locker with pods stacked on top of each other – but inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors.

Each capsule is made from oak and comes with a single Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, individual mini aircon or heat, smart climate control, noise reduction, and ambient lighting.

There is also a plug socket inside, two USB plugs and a mirror – there isn’t much storage space though, so you’ll need to leave your suitcase outside your capsule.

There are clean common areas too, which felt more adult then teen-backpacker, which includes a lounge and co-working space.

The city is crying out for affordable places to stay and for £30? It can’t be beaten. Helen Wright, Travel Writer

A&O

There’s a little-known London hotel hack that can get you an entire “suite” for just £65 a night.

A&O London Docklands Riverside used to be a Hilton Doubletree Hotel, and some of the spacious rooms which used to be king junior suites are now being sold for the price of a double room under the new ownership.

You can bag a suite-sized room with a large double bed, sofa and lounge area, desk to work at plus even your own balcony overlooking the Thames from just £65 a night.

The hotel sits opposite fancy finance district Canary Wharf, and a stay here even bags you free unlimited travel on the ferry to cross over the river.

Visit Fairgame to go head to head at fairground-style shooting and sports games, and make sure to book in for dinner at the American-style BBQ restaurant Big Easy.

You won’t miss it, thanks to its giant neon lights illuminating the waterfront and blasting country music. Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Ibis London Luton Airport

Sometimes, when you have a really early flight, it is just easier to stay at a hotel the night before.

If heading on holiday from London Luton Airport, make sure to stay at ibis London Luton Airport.

The three-star budget friendly hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the terminal and rooms are basic but well air conditioned, comfortable, sound proof and come with a TV, tea and coffee making facilities and your own bathroom.

Inside, there is a 24-hour bar and a cosy onsite restaurant too.

In the morning, you can help yourself to a breakfast buffet – though if your flight is super early like mine was, let reception know and they will make up a breakfast bag for you to collect when you check out.

Rooms cost from as little as £56 per night. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL

I love Holiday Inn hotels. Which might seem excessive, given they are a chain of budget hotels, but I’m always astonished at the ease of check-in, the quality of the rooms and how good the food and drink options are.

One of my favourite pre-holiday treats is to check in to one of their airport properties before a super early morning flight, to avoid the pain of leaving my house at 3am on the morning I fly.

Holiday Inn London Gatwick is an absolute giant of a hotel with 216 rooms, but it’s always super quiet in the rooms and it has a two-minute walk to the check-in desks.

But my favourite so far is the Holiday Inn Express London– Excel, which is right next to the Excel Centre in the Docklands and a short taxi ride from London City Airport.

With recently refurbished rooms from £87 a night, which includes a free hot breakfast, the beds are super comfy and very clean and the bathroom is always spotless.

Much like Gatwick, the rooms are really quiet – essential when you are under a flight path and guests are arriving and leaving at all times of the the night.

But my favourite part was the restaurant though, which was stylish with a wide range of options for adults that included curries, burgers, pizzas and ribs from £15.50 for a main.

Kids can have a two-course menu from £5.99, which choices like pizza, spaghetti bolognese and fish and chips. Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel, Digital

Otherwander

Otherwander recently opened in the heart of Soho, approximately 30 seconds away from Oxford Street’s Elizabeth Line entrance so the location couldn’t be better for exploring the capital.

Unlike a normal hotel, Otherwander is a pod hotel which means you get a capsule-like room, with just a bed – no windows, no bathroom.

When you book, you can opt between an upper or lower pod; I opted for an upper pod, which feels more like climbing into a UFO.

I was surprised to find my upper double pod didn’t feel boxy or claustrophobic, despite being only the width of a standard double bed.

You’ll get USB and USB-C charging points, your own air con, a night light, reading light and even a colour-changing light.

You’ll also find a shelf, complete with a strap to secure your backpack or cabin-sized suitcase and three hooks for coats, jackets or towels.

The pod self locks and if you feel a little claustrophobic in the night then there is a little window with a shutter that you can leave open.

You can also choose between a double for £80 per night (£40 per person, per night) or a single for £70 per night. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

IT’S officially the summer of staycations – and this posh gem in North Norfolk is well worth checking out.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market.

Where is The Hoste Arms?

The Hoste Arms is in Burnham Market, Norfolk, nicknamed among locals like me as “Chelsea-on-Sea“.

This affluent area on the North Norfolk coast is known for its boutique shopping, gastro-pub dining and sweeping golden beaches, making it the ultimate pick for a stylish seaside escape.

The village is easily accessible via the Coasthopper bus, which has a stop directly opposite The Hoste.

Make sure to hop on and off the Coasthopper during your visit, where you can stop off in popular seaside towns such as Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

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What is the hotel like?

This posh pub with rooms brings a touch of glamour to the coastline – yet it still retains a certain cosy charm.

Inside it’s all leather sofas, wooden beams and warm lighting. An antique clock sits above a large fireplace, and paintings of fossils, fish and seashells line the oak-panelled walls.

What are the rooms like?

There are 47 boutique bedrooms, all of which come with a rainfall shower and Nespresso coffee machine.

All have their own unique touches – mine had a standing bathtub directly opposite the grand four-poster bed.

Bathrooms are spacious and stocked with Bramley products that have an addictively fresh, herbal scent.

Atop your bed you’ll find a neatly-folded newspaper and delicious homemade brownies.

Rooms start at £104 per night. See thehostearms.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

At breakfast, pick from classics like a Full English or Eggs Benedict, plus you can grab tasty extras from the buffet table like buttery croissants, berry smoothies and freshly-baked banana bread.

For lunch and dinner, there’s fancy versions of pub favourites like a Ploughman’s Platter and cider-battered fish and chips.

There’s also day boat fish caught locally as well as meat supplied by renowned Norfolk butchers Arthur Howell’s.

For pudding? Go for the classic apple and rhubarb crumble.

What else is there to do there?

The pub sits smack-bang on Burnham Market’s famous high street, where you can have a nosy in high-end clothing, interior and hat shops.

Pop along to the next village, Burnham Overy Staithe, to go wild swimming in the saltmarshes and creeks.

Plus you’ve got your pick of award-winning beaches on your doorstep, from the huge, pinewood-backed stretches of Thornham to family favourite Brancaster Beach.

On a rainy day, pop down into The Hoste’s own private cinema where you can watch a range of films and snack on unlimited popcorn.

The Hoste is a brilliant base for exploring the North Norfolk coast in the summer, but it’s equally alluring to book ahead for a winter hideaway.

Sitting in its cosy bar area, I imagined it would be perfect to return to from a bracing beach walk to enjoy a pint of local ale by the roaring fire.

Is it family friendly?

The Hoste Arms is very much a family-friendly option, with kid-friendly rooms that offer space for cots and pull-out beds.

If you add a child onto your booking, you’ll find a “Borrow Box” waiting for you in your room.

This goodie box is packed with fun games, books and colouring to keep the little ones entertained – just make sure to pack it up neatly for the next family to use again.

Kids under 2 stay for free, plus those aged 2-16 stay for £15 per night room-only.

Is the hotel accessible?

The Hoste Arms offers step-free access to most areas, plus wheelchair-accessible bedrooms.

Parking is within 50 metres of the entrance. Make sure to ask about any additional requirements when booking.

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.

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.

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.

A THEME park that has been left abandoned for a decade is set to reopen as a new attraction.

Pleasure Island Park in Cleethorpes closed back in 2016 but is now set to become a “Center Parcs-by-the-sea” style destination.

The £70million park is set to have 272 holiday lodges, as well as hotels, restaurants and shops.

There would also be a Lidl superstore at the site.

Spanning across 60 acres, just a short walk from Cleethorpes Beach, plans include two hotels including one with 148 rooms and a casino, a drive-thru coffee shop as well as a cycle-hire destination.

The abandoned theme park currently has a lake in the middle, which would be turned into an angler’s hub.

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Councillors previously said that the plans were “an effective use of the land” and would “contribute to the local economy and the vitality of the resort”, reports Grimsby Live.

In the latest update, councillors will decide on the plans “ideally as soon as possible”, according to a councillor.

However, only a few checks have been completed.

Planning was submitted back in 2023 but the process has been delayed due to environmental assessments needing to be carried out as well as legal challenges.

Little else is currently known in regards to the holiday park, such as when it would open if given the go-ahead.

The theme park opened back in 1993 and featured six themed areas including Africa, Kiddies Kingdom, Morocco, Old England, Spain and White Knuckle Valley.

Attractions included rollercoasters, a carousel and dodgems.

A lot of the rides were sold off in 2018, but most of the buildings remain abandoned on the site now.

In the surrounding area, visitors can head to Cleethorpes Beach which features a long stretch of golden sand as well as the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

WHEN I told my husband I was whisking him away for a romantic weekend, he was expecting a quaint B&B with chocolates on the pillows, not a static caravan.

But our three-night trip to Green Hill Farm Holiday Village turned out to be rather luxurious, not to mention quite steamy . . .  ahem, due to our private hot tub.

The Lovat Holiday Parks site sits just minutes away from the New Forest and it’s so much more than a budget family getaway destination.

We stayed in a modern two-bed luxury lodge, which overlooked a pond filled with ducks.

Alongside a comfy double bed, the lodge featured a cosy living room, a large kitchen and a decking area complete with a hot tub that glitters with LED lights at night.

The complimentary slippers and dressing gowns elevated the experience above your bog standard holiday park stay.

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If the kids come along, there’s an endless list of activities as well as a play area with a splash pad, and a board game library.

Plus there’s a forest ranger programme, unique to this holiday park, offering special segway-riding trails through the woodland, and archery and trampolining.

Meanwhile, parents can relax by the enormous lake, where they can try fishing, or get their workout fix at the small outdoor gym.

The highlight for us as a couple was the stunning location.

Perched at the edge of the New Forest, with direct access to the National Park, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.

We went for a romantic ramble on the moors, where we spotted wild ponies and donkeys, many of which were tame enough to pet.

You don’t need to be a top-tier hiker, there’s a variety of routes to suit all abilities on your doorstep.

After working up an appetite, we treated ourselves to pizza from the Ember Restaurant back on site.

The margherita was £13.50, or you can opt for the Inferno, which comes with pepperoni, chilli and peppers smothered in hot habanero sauce.

There’s also the delicious Greek, which comes with olives, feta, red onion and oregano.

For burger-lovers The Smashed Buns van is sure to hit the spot.

Standard burgers will set you back £8.50 and fries are an extra £3.50.

There’s also a takeaway spot for coffee and fresh pastries in the morning and a mini on-site shop selling groceries, beer and wine.

The nearby Rockingham Arms has a cracking beer garden and does an excellent Sunday roast.

The barmaid entertained us with ghost stories about the local area.

Architecture fans will love ornate Salisbury Cathedral, while the high street offers a great mix of quaint independent stores and giants like Primark and Marks and Spencer.

For lunch, head to The Tabletop Tavern, a medieval-themed bar with a wooden chandelier and candle-like bulbs.

The menu is all hearty stews and Elderwine sausages.

Even the board games have a Medieval theme — Dungeons & Dragons, anyone?

Our favourite pub, however, was The Bishops Mill, which hosts regular live music sessions and quiz nights, and does excellent sharing dishes like the crispy duck nachos.

We could have spent hours kicking back with a pint, listening to the singer belt out ballads, but the romantic setting left us in the mood to get steamy back at the lodge.

And we know what that means — hot tub time!