PLANNING a holiday, staycation or day out should be exciting but eye-watering prices can turn it into a wallet-draining nightmare.
But you don’t have to pay full whack. From dirt-cheap flights to cut-price hotels and bargain days out, there are loads of easy ways to cut the costs.
There are loads of ways you can save on your holidays, flights, accommodation and days outCredit: GettyTravel reporter Cyann Fielding has found all the best websites to save you cash on your holiday.Credit: Cyann Fielding
Whether you’re chasing a last-minute break, a cheap stay or discounted tickets, here’s how to do it for less and keep more cash in your pocket.
Websites
Secret Flying
The Secret Flying website hunts out super-cheap deals and “error fares” – bargain flights caused by pricing glitches – and links you straight to booking sites like Skyscanner.
It’s free to use and lists offers by region, but you’ll need to be flexible on dates and destinations to bag the best ones.
The biggest bargains sell out fast, so it’s worth signing up for alerts to stay one step ahead.
Holiday Hypermarket
Holiday Hypermarket is owned by the TUI group and is the discount website for TUI holidays where they guarantee that you won’t find a TUI, Marella or Crystal holiday cheaper anywhere else.
With up to 70 per cent off brochure prices, they sell a lot of last minute breaks – but with the same TUI flights, hotels and transfers.
Luxury Escapes
A website that offers high end holidays at affordable prices is Luxury Escapes.
They negotiate directly with hotels to get good deals on holiday bundles, including flights, accommodation and extras like free cocktails, massages and childcare.
Hostelworld
If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful and don’t mind bunking up with other people then Hostelworld is a useful tool.
It will help you to search for hostels in the destination you’re heading to and compare prices.
It can also find hostels with private rooms too if you don’t want to share.
Cashback sites
While it might not save youmoneyon you’re current holiday – it could save you some cash on the next one.
At Quidco you can get at as much as 3.75 per cent on an EasyJet holiday (which works out at as £11 back on a £300 trip)
Or there is hotels.com, which gives you seven per cent cashback (£14 if you book a hotel for two nights at £200).
Other brands include TUI, British Airways, Trainline and Skyscanner. so it is worth checking if you can claim anything before you book.
Apps
02 Priority
If your phone contract is with O2, then you really should download Priority.
In addition to entering competitions to win holidays, you can often get discounts on holiday packages, concerts, and events.
For example, you can get four tickets to Vue cinemas for £18 or two for £9.
Or save £220 when you spend £2,000 with lastminute.com.
MiXR.
The MiXR. app shows local pubs, clubs and bars where you can reserve a table and pre-book food or drink packages.
But it can also get you savings.
Each time you spend money on your linked card at a partnered bar or pub, you’ll get points.
Get to 5,000 points and you’ll have a £5 voucher (each £1 you spend you get 50 points).
There are also offers on the app including 25 per cent off Camden Hells beer.
Apps such as MiXR. and Dusk can save you on drinks outCredit: Getty
Dusk
Dusk dubs itself ‘the free drink app’ and it isn’t lying.
The app shows you which bars and pubs in your area have deals on and the exact route to get there.
If you scroll, you’ll find specific venues have a sticker on them offering a free drink.
For example, it could say ‘free espresso martinis on Monday at 3pm’, which means you can get that drink for free if you visit that specific venue at the given time.
Some of the venues are marked with yellow stars which means you can earn points too.
Once you’ve collected a number of points you can exchange for drinks.
For example, 200 points gets you a free bottle of prosecco at Be At One, 500 points can get you 50 per cent off at Karaoke Room and so on.
You can use Dusk in a number of cities across the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Brighton, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Cardiff, Sheffield, Bath, Exeter, Norwich, Bournemouth, Hull and York.
Eat Club
Having only launched in the UK last year, Eat Club is now available in London and Manchester.
The app shows you nearby restaurants that have spare tables, great for last-minute plans.
You can also get great discounts, such as up to 50 per cent off of your bill.
There are also some apps that will save you money on food, such as Too Good To Go and Eat ClubCredit: Getty
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is an app that prevents food waste by selling off items leftover at the end of the day.
The app is partnered with a number of brands including Greggs and Pizza Express.
If you jump onto the app and use the map function, you will find stores near you that have bags of food to sell for a few quid before the end of the day.
Having used the app numerous times, I usually pay around £3.50 for a bag that contains over £20 worth of food.
I have even used it in New York, when finding a budget lunch option seemed impossible.
Unidays
If you are a student or recent graduate, you should sign up to an account with Unidays.
It is free to joing, you’ll just need your student email and then you can make savings such as getting two Cineworld tickets for £13 and 30 per cent off Hilton hotel stays.
If you are a student, there are a couple of student apps where you can get discountsCredit: Getty
Student Beans
Similar to the above, Student Beans is a discount app for anyone studying. With a student email you can benefit from discounts such as 25 per cent off of National Express travel and 10 per cent off of Ryanair flights.
Cheapskate London
Cheapskate London is a free newsletter released each Monday that shares the best free and cheap things to do across the capital.
Previous free events include educational talks, family activity sessions at museums, and even building your own wormery.
Accor
If you subscribe to the Accornewsletter, you will typically get 10 per cent off hotel stays.
You’ll also get exclusive offers and personalised deals.
Nectar
If you shop at Sainsbury’s and don’t have a Nectar account then you’re really missing out.
When you do your weekly food shop, you’ll rack up points which you can then use on your holiday.
For example, you can spend your points on Eurostar journeys, British Airways flights and more.
Loyalty programmes such as Nectar allow you to build points to use against things such as flightsCredit: Getty
Avios
Avios are loyalty points that you can collect and use mainly with British Airways for flights, hotels and upgrades.
You can earn them by flying with British Airways or its partners, as long as you have an account.
If you build up enough points, you can purchase flights and pay only a small cash fee for admin such as tax and fees.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy’s hotel loyalty programme is free to join and covers around 10,000 destinations across the globe.
Members earn points with each stay and then the points can be redeemed on free nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors is free to join, and much like Marriott Bonvoy, is the hotel’s loyalty programme.
Members earn points on stays and everyday activities which can then be redeemed on free stays and experiences as well.
Members tend to get 10 points per £1 spent.
Hotel chains often have their own loyalty programmes that offer 10 per cent discountsCredit: Getty
Paid-for memberships
The Nudge
Costing just £5 per month The Nudge is an insider’s guide to London and often reports on the latest openings in the capital.
The discounts are easy to find on the app and include deals like 40 per cent off at Greek seafood restaurant Kimu in Marylebone or 50 per cent off food at The Culpeper in Spitalfields.
There are also discounts on events such as 50 per cent off of tickets to Burger Fest in Richmond and even pampering treatments like £50 off facials at Skinwork in Soho or 40 per cent off access to Lowlu open-air sauna in Kentish Town.
The Nudge will also run member events such as exclusive supper clubs.
Blue Light
If you work in the NHS or the emergency services, you probably already know about Blue Light.
Blue Light, which costs £4.99 for a two-year membership, gets you discounts at major brands, restaurants and entertainment venues as well as £100 off your TUI holiday or 15 per cent off Away Resorts.
You can even get a discount on airport parking, such as five per cent at London Gatwick.
Railcard
Railcards aren’t just for youngsters, there are all sorts of railcards you can get.
In general, they will get you a third off most rail fares and cost between £30 and £35 each year.
Different railcards include 16-25-year-olds, 26-30-year-olds, Senior (over 60 years old) and Disabled Persons.
There’s also a Family and Friends Railcard which gets adults a third off their rail fare and then 60 per cent off kids’ rail fares if they are aged between five and 15 years old.
And if you are heading off on a number of staycations, make sure you have a railcardCredit: Alamy
Trusted Housesitters
Accommodation costs can bump up the total cost of your holiday, but there is a way around this.
With Trusted Housesitters, you can head to someone’s home and stay there while they are away and all you need to do is look after their pet.
It operates in 180 countries and essentially is a win-win system as the person going away needs a pet sitter and you want somewhere to stay.
Members pay an annual fee to use the platform, which range from £99 to £199.
Dis-loyalty
Dis-loyalty is a travel and food membership that costs £12 a month to join.
In return, you’ll earn points and get discounts on hotel stays, such as 50 per cent off newly opened hotels.
You can also grab a free hot drink each day at one of the membership’s participating locations.
Days Out with the Kids
Days Out with the Kids is the perfect site if you are looking for inspiration during the weekends or school holidays.
The website is partnered with over 8,500 attractions across the UK, and offers members access to exclusive discounts.
The membership costs £4.99 per month, but according to the website, it saves families an average of £12.99 per trip.
Hols from £9.50
If you want to head to a holiday park in the UK or Europe, The Sun’s Hols from £9.50 has over 20 holiday parks to choose from.
To benefit from the £9.50 deal, you have to collect five codewords printed in the paper over a set period of time and enter them on the Sun Holidays website.
Alternatively, to avoid needing a passcode you can join Sun Club for £1.99.
For more offers on holidays travel companies have revealed the cheapest places to book – with week-long holidays from £189.
IF you’re tired of battling the crowds – and the soaring prices – of Europe’s busiest tourist spots, it’s time to rewrite your travel bucket list.
That’s where our travel experts come in. We’ve spoken to a range of holiday experts, from seasoned Travel Editors to Travel Supermarket pros, who have revealed their favourite lesser-known holiday destinations.
If you love the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Casablanca is just as beautiful… and much cheaperCredit: Alamy
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @TheSunTravel
These are underrated spots where you can visit beautiful remote beaches, wander historic cobbled streets, or dine at authentic restaurants without the dreaded “tourist tax”.
From Amalfi Coast breaks that are actually affordable, to Spanish destinations where you can fly and flop for under £200 – here’s our travel experts’ underrated favourites.
*Price were correct at time of publication
Casablanca, Morocco
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
While I love the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Casablanca is just as beautiful… and much cheaper.
The cost savings are huge, according to Kayak. The average hotel room price in Marrakech is £298 per night, while Casablanca is just £140.
Even if you want to splurge, you could pay £421 to stay at the five-star Four Seasons Casablanca.
Visit the five-star La Mamounia in Marrakech on the same day, and you’re splashing out more than £1,000.
When there, you can still haggle for a bargain at the medinas, just with far fewer crowds than in Marrakech.
Book a break to Casablanca
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Loveholidays offer seven nights’ room-only stay at the Ibis Casablanca Nearshore, including return flights from London Heathrow, from £369pp.
The Hassan II Mosque shouldn’t be missed either – it’s one of the biggest in the world.
Cheap street food is easy to find, with ‘Sfenj’ doughnuts costing less than 50p.
Make sure to visit Rick’s Cafe too, based on the 1942 classic movie. Here’s looking at you, kid.
Tignabruaich, Scotland
Heather Lowrie, Travel Editor at The Scottish Sun
Tignabruaich sits on Scotland’s Cowal Peninsula and offers stunning natural landscapesCredit: Alamy
Book a break to Tignabruaich
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Tighnabruaich on the The Cowal Peninsula offers stunning coastal views, including the Kyles of Bute – that and the utter quietness are just some of the reasons to go.
The Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, offers sailings through the Kyles from Tighnabruaich in spring, summer and autumn.
Kilbride Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with wide open views and clear waters. You could go beachcombing, swim or just let the kids go wild. And best of all, it’s free.
You can also go wildlife watching, which includes spotting seals and dolphins, and head to Caladh Lighthouse, and the ruins of Asgog Castle and explore – all for free.
There’s also lots of cheap things to do. Head to the Benmore Botanic Gardens just over 30 minutes drive away, and gaze at its 160-year-old giant redwoods and exotic blooms (£10.80 per adult, kids go free). Or visit Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park, an 18-acre outdoor art gallery (£5 per adult, kids go free).
There’s also plenty of sailing and watersports opportunities, lovely restaurants and quiet places to stay without the price tag of bigger, more well-known Scottish tourist spots like St Andrews and Edinburgh.
Cefalu, Italy
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Sun Head of Travel Lisa Minot recommends Cefalu for an affordable Italian breakCredit: Alamy
Book a break to Cefalu
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Lastminute.com offer a five-night stay with breakfast at the Hotel Costa Verde, including return flights from London Luton, from £306pp.
The charming Sicilian beach town of Cefalu is a great value alternative to the glitzy towns of the Italian Riviera or Amalfi Coast.
It has the same Italian aesthetic – think cobbled streets, medieval architecture and dramatic cliffs – without the ‘luxury tax’ found on the mainland.
I had a superb burrata salad at Porta Ossuna restaurant right on the seafront in Cefalu for just £10 – washed down with a £3 glass of rose.
My husband was delighted with his foaming beer – a large one cost just £4.
Accommodation is also cheaper with a 4* hotel in Cefalu priced around £115 per night, compared to similar in Sorrento setting you back around £260 a night.
It’s also a great, compact city to explore with the walk from the Norman cathedral to the beachfront taking just ten minutes.
The hike up to La Rocca costs only a few euros and provides panoramic views that rival those of the expensive clifftop terraces of the Riviera.
Efteling, the Netherlands
Helen Wright, Travel Writer
Efteling Theme Park in the Netherlands is a budget-friendly, thrilling break for familiesCredit: Getty
Book a break to Efteling
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Hotels.com offer a stay in a family room sleeping three at the Efteling Wonder Hotel, including breakfast and theme park tickets, from £368 per night.
One of Europe‘s best-kept secrets is Efteling Theme Park in the Netherlands.
With lots of families planning to visit Disneyland Paris in France, Efteling is largely overlooked.
However, at only £35 to get in, this theme park is fantastic value and has so many fantastic rides for families.
There are white-knuckle rollercoasters and attractions for all ages. Plus, the lines are usually manageable, meaning no need to pay extra for fast passes to jump to the front of the queue.
Efteling has been open for over 70 years and still has areas preserved as it was when it opened, including a forest trail mapping out classic fairy tales like Red Riding Hood. Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid.
Food and drink tends to come in cheaper than at Disneyland too, don’t miss the classic Stroopwafel for only £3.50, which goes perfectly with a coffee as the kids play.
There are two hotels at Efteling, with rooms starting from £220 per night, including theme park access for the whole family.
It’s easy to get to by car (parking is £12 a day) or you can travel by Eurostar to Amsterdam and hop on the local train directly to the theme park. Allow for at least 2 days at the parks because there is so much to do.
Albanian Riviera
Rob Brooks, Holiday Expert
Ksamil in Albania has turquoise waters and parasol-dotted golden beachesCredit: Alamy
Book a break to the Albanian Riviera
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On the Beach offer a five-night stay at the Hotel Vola in Sarande, including return flights from London Luton, from £175pp.
If you’ve ever looked at the Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast and thought it looks amazing, but you’re not up for paying the price, this is where you go instead.
The Albanian Riviera – especially around Sarandë and Ksamil – has that same crystal-clear water, white beaches and relaxed beach club feel, just without the crowds or the price tag.
It genuinely feels like Greece and southern Italy combined, but way earlier in its tourism story.
What I love about it is how unspoilt it still feels. You’ve got small beach bars, simple but brilliant restaurants, and loads of coastline that hasn’t been overbuilt yet.
And the value is ridiculous once you’re there. You can sit down for fresh seafood, drinks and a proper meal for under £15, and you’ll still find pints for around 250 Lek, or about £2.30, in most places.
The deal I found is for Hotel Vola in Sarande, flying direct from London Luton in May.
It’s coming in at £175pp for five nights, bed and breakfast, so you’ve got a base with a sea view and pool, then loads of freedom to eat and drink out for next to nothing.
Hua Hin, Thailand
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Hua Hin in Thailand has paradise beaches like those in the popular resort of PhuketCredit: Getty
Book a break to Hua Hin
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On the Beach offer a seven-night stay at the ibis Hua Hin, including return flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, from £860pp.
Most beach-seeking travellers in Thailand will make a beeline for the island of Phuket.
But I’d always opt for the less commercial and far more affordable Hua Hin over this.
Not only is the coastal town relatively crowd-free, you can stay in some pretty high-end hotels with stylish rooms that cost a fraction of the price they would at sister resorts elsewhere in the world.
You’ve got everything you’d want from a typical getaway in Thailand: excellent night markets where you can pick up budget fashion pieces, quality restaurants dishing up traditional grub in fuss-free settings, and sun-drenched sands overlooking an endless ocean.
It’s also under three hours from Bangkok, so makes for a great twin-centre beach and city break.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Jacob Lewis, Guest Travel Expert at TravelSupermarket
Fuerteventura is the second biggest of the Canary Islands, and has 160 miles of beachesCredit: Getty
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Travel Supermarket offer a seven-night self-catering stay at the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel, including return flights from Manchester, from £399pp.
Swap Tenerife for this cheaper Canary with better beaches.
When most Brits think Canary Islands, they go straight to Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria – and prices reflect it. But there’s a cheaper alternative hiding in plain sight.
Based on TravelSupermarket searches between 1 January and 12 April 2026, holidays to Fuerteventura average around £622pp – compared to £702pp for Tenerife, £667pp for Lanzarote and £776pp for Gran Canaria. That’s a saving of up to £154pp. And you’re not exactly slumming it.
Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island and has arguably the best beaches in the archipelago – huge sweeps of pale sand that feel closer to the Caribbean than Spain.
It’s also quieter and more stripped-back than its neighbours, with fewer mega-resorts and a slower pace overall.
Corralejo in the north is the liveliest base, with plenty of bars and restaurants, while the Jandía peninsula in the south is calmer, with more space and smarter hotels.
The island is also a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with reliable conditions year-round at spots like Flag Beach.
Weather-wise, it’s one of the safest bets in Europe. Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands closest to Africa, and its flat landscape means it’s generally drier and sunnier than the more mountainous islands. Even in midwinter, average high temperatures hover around 20°C.
Food is simple but good – expect plenty of fresh fish and local goat’s cheese – and all-inclusive deals tend to be well-priced across the island.
Flights take around four hours from the UK, just like the bigger-name islands.
The difference is you’ll often pay less – and get a more relaxed version of the Canaries.
Faro, Portugal
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recommends a trip to Faro in the Algarve, PortugalCredit: Alamy
Book a break to Faro
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Lastminute.com offer a five-night room-only stay at the Faro Boutique Hotel, including return flights from London Stansted, from £205pp.
The city of Faro is often used as the gateway to the rest of the Algarve, but I’m fighting its case as a holiday destination in its own right.
Sure, it has far fewer hotels than the rest of the Portuguese coastline, but it is just as affordable.
For example, pay a few euros and you’ll find yourself on one of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa islands, which feel like you paid to have it all to yourself.
Try Ilha Deserta, home to just one restaurant and nothing else, to feel like Robinson Crusoe discovering new lands.
Otherwise stay on the mainland and hop in some of the beachfront bars where pints of beer are easily found under two euros.
Costa de la Luz, Spain
Rob Brooks, Holiday Expert
Spain’s Costa de la Luz has a calmer feel than busy Costa BravaCredit: Getty
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On the Beach offer a five-night stay at the Alegria Costa Ballena AquaFUN Hotel in Costa Ballena, including return flights from London Stansted, from £195pp.
If you like Marbella or Malaga, but not the prices or how busy it gets, this is the upgrade most people don’t know about.
Down on the Costa de la Luz, around Cádiz and Costa Ballena, you get the same golden beaches, proper Spanish food and hot weather – just with a much calmer, more local feel.
This is where Spanish holidaymakers go, which is usually a very good sign.
The big difference is space. The beaches here are huge, sandy, and never rammed.
You’ve still got beach bars and restaurants dotted along the coast, but without the ‘popular-location tax’ you get further along in the Costa del Sol.
And it’s properly affordable once you’re there. A beer will set you back about €2 (the cheapest I found here was just €1.30) and you can still find really good tapas and fresh seafood dinners for €10-15 a head if you go local.
The deal I found is for the Alegria Costa Ballena AquaFUN Hotel, flying from London Stansted in May for £195pp. It’s a solid, well-rated hotel with big pools and a waterpark on site – so you’ve got loads going on without needing to spend loads once you’re there.
Patmos, Greece
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Patmos in Greece delivers the classic Greek island experience without the high costsCredit: Alamy
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Expedia offer a four-night stay with breakfast at the Skala Hotel from £316pp.
With their labyrinthine white-washed cobbled alleys and blue domes, Mykonos and Santorini are the classic Greek island experiences but their popularity means prices have soared.
Pretty Patmos is a fantastic alternative. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers a quieter, arguably more authentic version with boutique-filled streets and stunning hilltop views of the Aegean.
A sunset cocktail could set you back up to £25 in Santorini – but you can find the same chic venues and prices half of that in Patmos’ Chora.
Mykonos beach clubs sell sunbeds at £130 a day but you can have the same sand between your toes experience facing stunning turquoise waters at Patmos’ Grikos Beach for pennies.
And when it comes to food, the tavernas on Patmos are more than capable of giving those big chef restaurants of Mykonos and Santorini a run for their money.
Fish is still a highlight but a high-end, fancy dinner for two on Patmos with wine will set you back £100 as opposed to nearly £250 on the trendy islands.
Isle of Whithorn, Scotland
Heather Lowrie, Travel Editor at The Scottish Sun
The Isle of Whithorn in Scotland is a scenic Scottish destination that’s affordable, tooCredit: Alamy
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Booking.com offer a stay in a cosy wooden lodge, Wigtown by Wigwam Holidays, from £123 per night.
One of the most southerly Scottish villages, this is a fabulous place to escape the crowds but still with plenty to occupy your time – most of it free!
Visit St Nina’s sea-side cave, said to be the hideaway of the early Christian saint.
As one of Scotland’s earliest Christian sites, it brought travellers, traders, pilgrims and royalty to Whithorn for more than 1,000 years.
Ten crosses are cut into the cave wall, and the 18 early Christian carved stones found inside are at Whithorn Priory and Museum.
The Latinus Stone – Scotland’s earliest Christian monument is also housed here. Entry is just £7.50 for adults and children 4-15 are £4.50.
There are three tall standing stones at nearby Drumtroddan, dating to the second or third millennium BC which are part of a unique prehistoric landscape, including the nearby Drumtroddan Cup and Ring Marked Rocks. All free.
Take the Isle of Whithorn Loop, to the Priory, stopping at the iron age roundhouse and finish with coffee and cake at the lovely community cafe and shop and bed down at the Steampacket Inn to explore nearby towns and villages like Garlieston, Sorbie and Monreith.
Salerno, Italy
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Salerno in Italy is a cheap spot to stay in on the dramatic Amalfi Coast of ItalyCredit: Getty
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Loveholidays offer a five-night room-only stay at the 4* Hotel Cetus, including return flights from London Luton, from £599pp.
Sipping Aperol spritz from a cliffside restaurant on Italy’s rugged Amalfi Coast should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Don’t waste your cash staying there, though. The charming town of Salerno sits just a short (around 30 minutes or so) and cheap ferry ride away – and you can save yourself hundreds by staying here instead.
When you’re not daytripping to Positano, explore Salerno’s cobbled side alleys, teeming with pokey restaurants where nonnas are cooking up huge portions of fried fish and pasta from family recipe books.
Sopot, Poland
Helen Wright, Travel Writer
Sopot in Poland has a pretty traditional pier, beaches and cheap places to eatCredit: Alamy
Book a break to Sopot
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Loveholidays offer a seven-night room-only stay at the Hotel Aqua Sopot, including return flights from Newcastle, from £239pp.
If you are looking for a wide, golden sand beach, lined with beach bars and cafes, a busy promenade and a seaside destination with a lot of character, consider Sopot in Poland.
This beach town is less than half hour from the nearest city, Gdansk. Flights direct to Gdansk from the UK start from £12 each way on Ryanair and it’s an easy (and cheap) train ride to get to the coast.
Hotels start from £40 per night for two people, so it’s ideal for those on a budget.
The coastline is so stunning, you could be forgiven for thinking you ‘re on the beach in Italy or the South of France but for the bargain prices everywhere.
Beautiful, historic buildings sit along the coastal road, including the Sofitel Grand Hotel, which looks like the setting of an Agatha Christie thriller.
The beach is huge and, although popular in the summer months, never feels crowded. The sea here is calm and ideal for a paddle or swim – although the water can be on the chilly side.
At beach cafes along the front, you can grab a cold beer for £2 and cocktails for £5.
Prosto, a pizzeria with a beautiful garden and outdoor seating is just steps from the beach. Here, a huge pizza will only set you back £10 and is definitely enough for two adults to share.
You can lay down a blanket and spend the whole day basking in the sun, or take position in one of the fancy beach clubs, which have Ibiza vibes but start from £10 per day for a comfy sunbed and umbrella.
Kefalonia, Greece
Jacob Lewis, Guest Travel Expert at TravelSupermarket
Kefalonia in Greece is a cheaper alternatife to SkiathosCredit: Alamy
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Loveholidays offer a seven-night stay at Efrosini Village, including return flights from London Gatwick, from £239pp.
Swap Skiathos for this Greek island that’s £370 cheaper.
Skiathos might be one of Greece’s best-loved islands – but you’ll pay for it.
TravelSupermarket data shows average prices at around £955pp. That’s nearly £370 more than Kefalonia, which comes in closer to £588pp. For families, that’s a serious saving.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands – and one of the most dramatic. Think steep limestone mountains, dense forests and electric-blue bays, including Myrtos, regularly ranked among Europe’s best beaches.
It shot to global fame thanks to Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, but it’s long been a favourite with travellers who want something a bit less built-up.
That’s partly down to stricter planning rules, which have limited large-scale development and kept much of the island feeling low-key. You’ll find more small hotels, villas and apartments than huge resort blocks.
Argostoli, the capital, feels more like a proper Greek town than a purpose-built resort – with a lively waterfront, good tavernas and a laid-back atmosphere.
Up north, Fiskardo is one of the prettiest harbour villages in Greece. It survived the 1953 earthquake that flattened much of the island, so its Venetian buildings are still intact – and it’s easily worth a day trip.
You still get the same essentials as Skiathos – clear, warm water, great beaches and reliable sunshine – just spread across a bigger, less crowded island. Flights from the UK take around three hours, so there’s no extra hassle.
STRUTTING the red carpet at The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere, dazzling Anne Hathaway was like a different woman.
Gone was the so-called “in-authentic” air that critics once claimed she exuded, leading to her being branded “Hollywood’s most hated woman”.
Anne Hathaway’s successful Hollywood career has been marred by a battle to win the affection of the publicCredit: Luigi & Iango for Vogue AustraliaAnne Hathaway and Meryl Streep stepped out to celebrates the premiere of new movie The Devil Wears Prada 2Credit: APFans turned against Anne by accusing her of being overly dramatic when she hosted the Oscars with James FrancoCredit: Getty
Instead, more than a decade after the trolling began, 43-year-old Anne appeared determined to shake off her difficult reputation once and for all.
Not so long ago, it could be argued she was best known for snapping at interviewers, snubbing fans and even, it is claimed, rubbing some co-stars up the wrong way.
Two years later, as she picked up awards for playing Fantine in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Miserables, her acceptance speeches were widely dubbed overly dramatic and insincere.
The hate spiralled from there. But Anne, who wore a sexy, cutaway Versace gown to The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere, appeared to be launching a charm offensive as she flashed her Hollywood smile at the paparazzi in Leicester Square on Wednesday night.
Her shiny, orchestrated comeback was almost derailed this week when she was accused of “playing Muslim” by casually dropping “Inshallah” — the Arabic phrase for God Willing — into an interview.
The online hatemongers immediately went into overdrive.
Without hesitation, she responded: “I want to have a long, healthy life. Inshallah, I hope so.”
While the phrase is widely used, Anne’s decision to say it has sparked debate.
One person questioned: “Is she playing Muslim now?”, while another moaned: “Anne Hathaway and her Inshallah clickbait make me not want to see Devil Wears Prada 2 and I had been looking forward to it.
“It’s not a religious thing. It’s the obvious clickbait as a marketing tactic. It’s insulting.”
As she signed autographs at the premiere in London this week, Anne was gifted a copy of the Qur’an, an Islamic religious text.
She replied: “Thank you so much. That’s very kind,” before moving on.
But insiders tell us that drama over her use of the word “Inshallah” is the last thing she would have wanted.
A source revealed: “Anne, like many people, uses that expression all the time and meant no offence.
“She has spent years stepping on eggshells and she just wants this press run to be smooth sailing without everyone hating her again.”
Anne’s every move has not always been so heavily scrutinised.
She has spent years stepping on eggshells and she just wants this press run to be smooth sailing without everyone hating her again
Source
Her breakthrough role as Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 Disney hit The Princess Diaries is still a fans’ favourite and later, she was revered by her peers following roles in the likes of Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada.
But then the tide turned. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2024, she revealed that she once Googled herself and the top article was titled, “Why does everyone hate Anne Hathaway?”.
She claimed the backlash affected her work, telling the magazine: “A lot of people wouldn’t give me roles because they were so concerned about how toxic my identity had become online.”
According to an LA-based source who has worked with Anne in the past, interactions with her can be tricky, and her mood depends on whether people are in or out of her favour.
They said: “The thing with Annie is, if she likes you, you’re golden.
“If she doesn’t, you’ll know about it fast. A lot of people complain about her attitude. She often comes across as frosty because she is so focused on work and she can’t stand time-wasters.
“After all, there are not many Hollywood actresses who take their work so seriously they would shave all their hair off just a couple of months before their wedding, like she did for Les Miserables.
“When Annie is in that mode, the advice is usually to steer well clear.”
Anne’s breakthrough role as Mia Thermopolis in the 2001 hit The Princess Diaries is still a fans’ favouriteCredit: AlamyComic book fans were divided over whether Anne was sexy enough to plan Catwoman in The Dark Knight RisesCredit: AlamyAnne was obsessed with becoming an actress on stage and screen from an early ageCredit: GC Images
Anne was born in Brooklyn, New York, to stage actress mum Kate and lawyer father Gerald.
She says she knew she wanted to be a star aged three after watching Kate play Eva Peron in Evita.
By eight, Anne was obsessed with becoming an actress, further inspired by her mother playing Fantine in a US tour of Les Miserables — a role Anne later portrayed on the big screen.
She has previously told how she got an agent at 11 and landed her first major TV role at 16 in comedy drama Get Real.
Anne had starred in a string of movies before her 2011 Oscars debacle, which followed a plan to team her with co-host James Franco in a bid to pull in younger viewers.
‘Needed a break’
It backfired spectacularly and their lack of chemistry was widely mocked, as was Anne for having eight outfit changes.
Afterwards, Anne admitted she was “slightly manic and hyper-cheerleadery on-screen”.
Meanwhile, Franco, who stepped away from the spotlight after settling a $2.2million class action sexual misconduct lawsuit in 2021, said: “I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to Anne Hathaway.”
From then on, Anne’s reputation for being difficult grew.
Much of the criticism was ridiculous and unfounded.
Comic book fans even moaned when she was cast as Catwoman in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises because they did not think she was sexy enough.
But other complaints seemed to hold more weight. In a 2012 interview, which resurfaced and went viral in 2024, journalist Kjersti Flaa called her “dismissive” for providing short, unenthusiastic answers during a Les Mis press day.
When asked, “Do you believe people loved more passionately back then?” and, “Do you remember your first crush?”, the star bluntly replied, “No”.
Anne followed up with an apology to Kjersti for being so curt, attributing her behaviour to personal circumstances.
Anne’s career went from strength to strength with a series of hits including Brokeback Mountain in 2005Credit: AlamyA year later she hit new heights in The Devil Wears Prada, an overnight success at the box officeCredit: AlamyAnne continued to win several awards – but even her acceptance speeches were pannedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The actress went on to win a slew of awards for her performance in Les Mis, including an Oscar, a Bafta and a Golden Globe. But her acceptance speeches were criticised for being too rehearsed or self-absorbed.
Following her Golden Globes victory, Anne said: “Thank you for this lovely blunt object that I will forevermore use as a weapon against self-doubt.”
Later, she was accused by many on Twitter of putting on “The Anne Show”. Amid the fierce backlash, she stepped away from the public eye, and said in 2014: “My impression is that people needed a break from me.”
Curt answers
By 2022 the actress was back, in movie Armageddon Time, but was yet again called out online over a video of her refusing to pose for photos with fans as she left a Valentino fashion show.
Other clips included a red carpet chat in which Anne was asked what Vogue editor Anna Wintour — the inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada’s fictional magazine editor Miranda Priestly — had said about the movie.
The actress first appeared frosty as she retorted, “Why would I tell you?”, before laughing raucously.
When the interviewer pressed, “Because I’m a fan and I need to know”, Anne said, “I know, but you weren’t there”, followed by another cackle — leading to claims she was trying to pass her curt answers off as banter.
Anne is determined that there are no distractions in the press run for The Devil Wears Prada 2Credit: Alamy
The original Devil Wears Prada was an overnight success when it was released in 2006, and saw fans obsessed with Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly — the editor of fictional magazine Runway.
The sequel centres on Miranda navigating the decline of traditional print media as she finds herself at odds with former assistant Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, now a powerful executive at a luxury group controlling crucial advertising revenue.
I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to Anne Hathaway
James Franco
Andy Sachs, played by Anne, is a features editor who reunites with Miranda in an attempt to save Runway.
As the stars hit the red carpet on Wednesday night, Anne exuded a glow that bore no resemblance to her frosty past demeanour.
She smiled for fans and appeared gracious when stopping to chat to press on the red carpet — desperate to prove she was more darling than devil.
But as mixed reviews of the trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 flood in before the full movie even hits cinemas, has Anne done enough to silence the Hathahaters?
IT’S been 20 years since they bitched, backstabbed and brought the house down in feisty fashion film The Devil Wears Prada.
During that time, the much-loved comedy has become a cultural reference, with the characters becoming household names.
But after two decades, has The Devil Wears Prada 2 lost its bite?
Well, one thing is for sure, the cast of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci have clearly found the formula for time travel, as they all look younger than they did in 2006.
Taking to the very red carpet at the European premiere in Leicester Square on Wednesday night, the foursome eradicated wrinkles and turned up their smile wattage to ultra.
They also, clearly, had to get on board with the film’s “partners” Diet Coke, with three-time Oscar-winner Streep’s outfit – red, white and black with a metallic sheen – looking like it was inspired by a can of the sugar-free pop.
Those attending were all given their own DC to sip on, too, and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that it’s the beverage of choice for characters throughout the film.
Audiences seeing early showings of the much-anticipated sequel also signed paperwork ensuring the film cannot be reviewed until a day and a half before it hits cinemas on Friday, May 1.
So no one is giving much away, with red carpet responses being, “It was so much fun” from Hathaway, and Streep saying: “This is a fun fashion movie. There’s a lot of music; there’s a lot of laughs.”
It hasn’t gone unnoticed that, as part of the excessive publicity campaign, Streep has joined forces with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who her character, Miranda Priestly, is based on.
The pair cosied up together on the cover of this month’s Vogue magazine, which is a huge contrast to the first film, which Wintour had nothing to do with.
So much so, designers and fashion figures were scared to be linked with the movie in case they offended her.
Streep recalls in the Vogue interview: “Everybody was afraid of Anna on the first one, so we couldn’t find any clothes.”
Fans fear the film has hung up its devil horns and slipped on some heavily branded wings.
I WORK in travel and look at holiday pricing data every single day – and there are a few patterns that I see constantly.
Small booking habits that feel completely normal, but quietly push prices up. We’re not talking about a few quid either. Get these wrong, and you can end up paying 20–30 per cent more for the same holiday.
Holiday Expert Rob Brooks sees countless holiday mistakes made – here’s how to avoid themCredit: Rob Brooks
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration@thesuntravel.
Here are the three biggest mistakes – and exactly how to fix them.
Bad Habit No.1: Booking in the morning rush
This one surprises people the most.
Booking your holiday first thing – on your commute, before work, or when you sit down at your desk – feels productive.
But it’s actually one of the worst times you can choose.
According to the data, the most expensive time to book a holiday is between 9am and 10am.
In fact, booking in that window came in at around 30 per cent more expensive than the cheapest time of day, which is actually 2:47am.
And it makes sense when you think about it – because that’s a peak demand window when everyone is searching at once.
Flight prices react to this demand first, then package holiday prices follow.
So while you think you’re being organised… you’re actually booking at the busiest, and often most expensive, moment of the day.
In one example, I found a 5-night all-inclusive stay at the Catty Cats Garden Hotel in Turkey was priced at £133pp in the early hours – but just a few hours later, that had jumped to £165pp for the exact same holiday.
That’s a 24% increase (£64 more for two people) simply from booking later in the day.
A break to Antalya in Turkey increased overnightCredit: Getty
Bad Habit No.2: Waiting after finding a good deal
This is the classic “I’ll just check again later” mistake: you find a good price, but instead of booking it, you leave it.
You come back later. Maybe the next day. Maybe after asking a few people.
It feels like you’re being careful or thrifty, but the data shows the opposite.
Every search feeds demand into the system, demand pushes flight prices up, and flight prices push package prices up.
But the reality is: if you’ve found a good deal, it’s very likely other people have found it too.
So while you’re waiting, those seats and rooms are disappearing, filling up and pushing up the package cost pretty quickly.
In one real example, a luxury all-inclusive stay at the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya,Turkey was priced at £558 per person.
But after waiting just 24 hours, that same holiday increased to £606 per person.
That’s an extra £48pp – or £192 more for a family of four – just for not booking when the price was lower.
Prices change, availability drops, and that deal you liked is gone forever.
Rob recommends putting flexible dates into the search bar to find cheaper dealsCredit: Alamy
Bad Habit No.3: Being too rigid with dates and nights
This is where people leave the biggest savings on the table.
I see it every day: most searches are locked into the same dates, same duration, no flexibility.
But pricing doesn’t work like that – it fluctuates constantly based on demand.
Flight and hotel combinations are constantly shifting, and the price you see is based on very specific availability – not a fixed “cost” for that trip.
That means sticking rigidly to one duration can actually stop you from seeing better-value options.
One holiday to beautiful Corfu was cheaper by changing the datesCredit: Getty
Sometimes, adding or removing just one night can completely change the price – because it opens up different flight combinations or cheaper room availability.
In one search I did for a Corfu holiday, a 7-night stay was coming in at £874 per person.
But by simply increasing the stay to 8 nights, the price dropped to £720 per person for the same package.
That’s a saving of £154pp – or £308 for two people – just by adding one extra night.
It goes against what most people expect, but it shows how pricing really works.
You’re not just paying for nights – you’re paying for the combination of flights and hotel availability behind them.
Yet most people never check – they search once, see one price, and assume that’s what the holiday costs.
Good Habit No.1: Use price alerts instead of repeatedly searching
One of the easiest ways to save money is to stop manually checking prices over and over again.
Every time you search, you’re adding to demand signals – and you’re far more likely to miss the moment a price drops.
Instead, set up price alerts or track a holiday and let the price come to you.
That way, you’re not feeding the surge – and you’re ready to act when the price is right.
I sometimes see short-term dips of up to £50 per person on the same holiday when demand softens briefly – but these windows can last hours, not days.
The people who catch them aren’t constantly searching – they’re notified. But how do you actually do it?
At On the Beach, if you save a holiday, you’re automatically tracking it, and they’ll email you to let you know when the price changes.
On Google Flights, you can search your route, then just toggle “Track prices” – then you’ll get email alerts whenever fares move up or down.
On Skyscanner, hit the heart or bell icon on a flight, and it’ll notify you when the price changes.
It takes about 10 seconds – and it means you’re not guessing when to book.
The cheapest time to book is 2:47am, although you don’t need to wait up lateCredit: Alamy
Good Habit No.2: The 33-day booking rule
There’s no perfect moment to book – but there is a bit of a sweet spot.
According to the data, booking around 33 days before departure can unlock savings of up to 10%.
That’s because it sits between two high-demand groups: early planners who book far in advance and last-minute bookers chasing limited availability.
In this middle window, demand is lower, and prices often reflect that.
Which means on a £700 holiday, that 10% saving means paying around £630 instead – a £140 saving for a couple without changing anything else.
It’s not about waiting as long as possible. It’s about timing it right.
Switching airports to fly to Majorca can make it cheaperCredit: Alamy
Good Habit No.3: Switch airports, not just dates
Most people have a “default airport” – the one they always fly from without really thinking about it.
But sticking to the same airport can quietly cost you more than you realise.
Flights to the same destination can vary massively in price depending on where you depart from – even on the exact same day, for the exact same hotel.
And often, the cheaper option is only a short drive or train journey away.
In one search I did this week for a family holiday to Majorca, the same 5-night stay at the Sea Club Mediterranean Resort was priced at £260pp flying from Manchester.
But switching to Liverpool Airport for the exact same trip brought the price down to £235pp.
That’s a saving of £25 per person – or £100 for a family of four – just by changing the departure airport.
It’s a simple check most people skip, but it can make a real difference to the total cost.
A Holiday Expert’s bottom line:
These aren’t big sacrifices, and you’re not downgrading your hotel or cutting your trip short. You’re just booking smarter.
But these small tweaks of timing, confidence and flexibility can easily save you hundreds over time.
And once you see how the pricing actually works, you won’t book the same way again…
Rob recommends letting the pricing guide your dates, so you can browse for the cheapest dealCredit: Alamy
AFTER literally breaking the scales, Alison Hammond has spent recent years vehemently denying fat jabs helped her to shed 13st.
And we can reveal her astonishing weight loss is actually the result of an adventurous gym routine, a toyboy boyfriend and a £2.85 supermarket secret.
Alison Hammond insists her 13st weight loss isn’t down to fat jabs but a strict fitness regime, a younger boyfriend and a £2.85 supermarket snackCredit: GettyThe star has lost 13st since appearing on Strictly in 2015, aboveCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAlison on a night out with boyfriend David PutmanCredit: Darren Fletcher
A close pal said: “Alison was mortified when she stepped on the scales in 2020 and her weight was so high the sensor broke.
“It stopped at anything over 29st, so she has no idea exactly how much she weighed back then.
“It was a real wake-up call and she began a strict diet that day.
“People are constantly accusing her of cheating and saying that she’s on fat jabs, but she’s not.
“They weren’t even around then.”
Instead, the Great British Bake Off host, 51, has been munching on Itsu crispy seaweed thins — with just 24 calories in a pack.
Her mate added: “When shoppers see her in Tesco the trolley is usually packed high with boxes of Itsu seaweed snacks.
“She eats about four packs a day.
“Instead of toffees she’s addicted to seaweed.”
It is a far cry from the terrifying moment a few years ago that kickstarted her bid to get healthy.
Being prediabetic — the point where your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diabetic — genuinely terrified her as it can bring serious health problems.
Following her doctor’s grave warning in November 2020, and in a desperate bid to reverse her diagnosis, the popular This Morning host made a plea to viewers live on air.
Begging for help
“I need some help,” she said bravely.
“I’ve really got to change my ways, if you guys see me out there buying sweets or chocolates, please I’m begging you, I’m not allowed to have it.
“It’s serious now.”
Viewers were quick to react, messaging the show in their droves with supportive comments and sharing their own struggles too.
I thought, ‘I have to be an adult about this’. The sweets had to stop and the fatty foods.
Alison of changing her life
“Ali knew she was morbidly obese and was genuinely concerned that she was going to die,” says her pal.
“But the encouragement from viewers really touched her.
“It inspired her to make changes.”
She previously said that her mother Maria, who died in January 2020 from lung and liver cancer, influenced her decision to overhaul her lifestyle.
“She was worried for me, so when I then found out I was prediabetic, that was frightening.
“I thought, ‘I have to be an adult about this’.
“The sweets had to stop and the fatty foods.”
It was not the first time Alison had tried to lose weight.
She had a gastric band fitted after a chair broke underneath her while she was interviewing actor Matt Damon in 2007.
Alison has hit back at ‘fat jab’ claims, explaining she has swapped sweets for low-calorie seaweed snack itsuCredit: SuppliedAlison, pictured in 2022, now works out three to five times a week with her personal trainersCredit: Getty
However, following the op, Alison experienced complications and “couldn’t keep anything down”.
After two years, she decided to have the procedure reversed.
Then, ten years later, she appeared on TV show Sugar Free Farm, which followed celebs as they embraced a sugar-free diet and farm work.
While she managed to lose two stone on the show, the side effects from the sugar withdrawal left her feeling dizzy and sick.
Now Alison, who is mum to Aidan, 21, works out three to five times a week with her personal trainers Lui Mancini and Ellis Gatfield.
She combines strength training, boxing and Pilates rather than cardio and when she is busy working she enjoys walking.
A video posted by Lui displayed her hard at work with kettlebells, medicine balls and a punching bag.
But no doubt also helping Alison’s confidence — and her weight loss — is her lover.
The couple kept their relationship secret for about a year but now it is very much out in the open and despite the 22-year-age gap they are desperately in love.
“It was pretty much love at first sight,” said her pal.
“She fell totally head over heels with David and he’s besotted with her.
“When you see them together it’s so sweet.
“He gets on really well with her son too.”
But a change in her diet has had the most dramatic effect on her.
In a bid to reverse her prediabetes she has cut back on sweets and fatty foods — which has not been easy, especially as the host of C4’s Great British Bake Off, where she is surrounded by temptation.
“Ali was completely addicted to toffees,’ says her pal.
“She would eat bags of them.”
For people who need to use them, weight-loss jabs are a good thing. But for me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened.
Alison on using fat jabs
But these days she relies on seaweed.
The salty snack, combined with a rigorous exercise regime, has seen her weight drop to under 17st.
She now drinks two litres of water a day and has a high-protein diet with lots of chicken and turkey mince bolognese.
“She eats half of what she used to eat,” revealed her friend.
Alison, who also hosts Your Song on Channel 4, previously told how weight loss jabs were not for her because she was “frightened” by “scary” stories surrounding them.
She said: “For people who need to use them, weight-loss jabs are a good thing.
“But for me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened.
“So I haven’t wanted to use them, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t in the future, and I certainly wouldn’t look down on anyone who did.”
But industry insiders have warned there could be an issue if her slimdown becomes too extreme, especially as she vies for the presenting gig on Strictly.
“There’s a fear that if she gets too skinny she might not be as popular with her fans,” said another source.
Pals insist Alison has no intention of losing her curves or trademark sparkle.
Her journey has never been about fitting into a certain dress size but building a healthy life.
During an interview on Loose Women last year, she summed up her attitude perfectly: “You know what, all I can do is be me.
“I can’t do anything else.
“I’m a black, big, bubbly woman, who is slowly deflating a little bit.”
Only time will tell if Alison’s nextsteps will be into the ballroom.
But one thing is for certain, it will be seaweed, and not Ozempic, in her handbag.
Alison says ‘scary’ stories put her off using weight-loss jabsCredit: Getty
BRITS have a habit of booking the same Spanish holidays on repeat. Benidorm. Marbella. Palma. Salou.
And fair enough – they are popular for a reason. But after years of working in travel and digging through the data, I’ve found something interesting.
Manilva on the Costa del Sol, in Andalusia, is an often-overlooked Spanish gemCredit: Alamy
The best-value holidays in Spain are often sitting right next door to the famous places.
So you can book and get the same sunshine, the same beaches and often the same flights – but you pay a fraction of the price, even in summer.
So here are 10 under-the-radar Spanish resorts that could save you hundreds this year.
Manilva, Costa del Sol
Manilva feels like Marbella…but without the price tag.
If Marbella feels a bit too “Champagne prices”, Manilva is what you book instead.
It sits right on the edge of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar, so you’re still getting that same guaranteed sunshine and polished coastline – just without the mass tourism or inflated prices.
The beaches are long, clean and far less packed, and the whole place feels calmer and more local.
With an historic old town, quaint fishing village and peaceful surrounding vineyards, there is something for everyone.
It’s the kind of spot where you can actually get a table by the sea without booking a week in advance.
And crucially: everything is cheaper. Drinks, meals, and especially accommodation.
Book a trip to Manilva
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£200pp for five nights at Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol, flying from Bournemouth at the end of August – which is basically peak summer for the price of a shoulder-season trip.
Platja de S’ Arenal in Majorca looks almost Caribbean with its white sands and turquoise seasCredit: Alamy
El Arenal, Majorca
El Arenal is somewhere I’ve been banging on about for a while, because it’s one of the cheapest ways to stay near Palma.
You’re just 10 minutes from the airport, right on a long sandy beach, and a short taxi from Palma Old Town – arguably one of the most underrated city-style breaks in Europe.
So instead of paying premium prices to stay in Palma itself, you base yourself here and dip in and out, with the beach right on your doorstep.
It’s lively, yes – but it’s also incredible value if you use it right.
Book a trip to El Arenal
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£298pp for five nights all inclusive at BLUESEA Costa Verde, flying from Dublin at the end of August.
Can Pastilla is a sunny Spanish destination with golden beaches close to Palma AirportCredit: Alamy
Can Pastilla, Majorca
This Majorca destination offers Palma vibes without the Palma prices.
Can Pastilla is one of the smartest bookings on the island.
You’re right next to Palma Airport, directly on the beach, and just a short cycle or taxi into Palma itself – which means you get the best of both worlds.
City break and beach holiday in one – it’s simple, easy, and consistently good value.
Book a trip to Can Pastilla
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£293pp for five nights at Amic Can Pastilla Hotel, flying from Glasgow at the end of August.
La Pineda sits right next to Salou but tends to be cheaper, quieter, and a bit more family-friendly.
You’ve still got easy access to PortAventura, beaches, and everything that makes this area popular, just without the same level of mainstream popularity.
Hotels here often offer better value for money too, especially for families.
Book a trip to La Pineda
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£260pp for five nights at Hotel Best Sol D’Or, flying from East Midlands at the end of August.
Hospitalet de Llobregat offers pretty Spanish city streets at a lower price than in central BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
Perfect for a Spanish city break without the Barcelona price tag.
Barcelona hotels can get expensive quickly. But if you stay just outside the centre in Hospitalet, you can cut that cost massively while still being a short metro ride from everything.
You’re still doing the Sagrada Familia, the beach, the food – you’re just not paying tourist-centre hotel prices.
It’s one of the easiest ways to do Barcelona on a budget and is proving surprisingly popular with families looking for a little more than a fly-and-flop holiday.
Book a trip to Hospitalet de Llobregat
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£235pp for five nights at Ona Living Barcelona, flying from East Midlands in mid-August.
Cantabria is home to Playa de El Bocal – a small, sheltered beach in Puerto Chico, SantanderCredit: Getty
Cantabria (Northern Spain)
This northern region is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
If you think Spain is all dry heat and packed beaches, Cantabria will completely throw you.
This is Spain’s green north – rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and wild coastline that feels closer to northern Italy than the Costa del Sol.
It’s cooler, quieter, and far less built up, which is exactly why it stays so affordable in peak summer.
You’ve got proper Spanish towns, incredible seafood (this is one of the best regions in the country for it), and beaches that feel untouched compared to the south.
And because Brits still massively overlook it, prices haven’t been pushed up in the same way.
Book a trip to Cantabria
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£285pp for five nights at Hotel Miera, flying from London Luton at the end of August – which, for a location this gorgeous in peak summer, feels like a bit of a steal.
THEY were once ‘like brothers’, touring the world together and dealing with global superstardom after being propelled into the spotlight aged just 16.
But now in their early 30s, Niall Horan and Harry Styles are “worlds apart” and living “vastly different lives”. Here, an insider tells us why the relationship has soured between the pair, and how the rest of One Direction are keeping their distance.
Niall and his girlfriend Amelia are often spotted walking their dog in LondonCredit: MJ-Pictures.comHarry tends to wear disguises and use fake namesCredit: BackGrid
Fans first noticed cracks between the pair last month when Niall, 32, made barbed remarks about the cost of fame on an American podcast just days after Harry, also 32, said he found his superstardom “deeply isolating”.
Speaking on the Zach Sang show earlier this month, Niall cheerfully revealed how delighted he is to be living a “completely normal life” in London, travelling on the tube, walking his dog and going for beers with his mates in local boozers.
When asked if he minds being stopped by fans, the Irish singer remarked: “You cannot have your f***ing cake and eat it”.
Fans were quick to point out that the comment came shortly after Harry spoke about the cost of superstardom – and wondered if it was a dig in his direction.
Speaking to Runners’ World magazine for their May cover, Harry said that he found fame ‘deeply isolating’ and felt the need to withdraw from public life to protect himself.
As part of this, he moved to Italy, because it allows him to ‘live a quiet life’ and ‘reset’.
But the differing attitudes toward fame are part of reason why the pair are no longer close.
A source tells us: “The boys used to be like brothers, they were the best of friends and used to joke about what life would be like when they were old men and still hanging out together.
“Now they are about a million miles from that. They have gone their separate ways and are all living such different lives.
“Niall is a real homebody; he loves being at their place in London with Mia and the dog, or with his family in Ireland. He’s not a kid anymore; he feels settled now, while Harry still jets all over the world and never seems to stay in one place for long.
“The pair of them hardly have anything in common now, and while Niall would never come straight out and criticise Harry, some things he says definitely make Niall’s eyes roll.”
While the Irish singer songwriter, who is worth £52 million, is completely at ease with being recognised when he’s out and about, scared Styles recently admitted all the unwanted attention left him wanting to become a recluse.
Speaking to US media, Niall claims he can live carefree in London. He says his life with long-term girlfriend Amelia Woolley – known as Mia – is not built around his work schedule and fame.
He added that he’s never minded being mobbed by One Direction’s devoted army of fans: “I don’t ever want it to be like, poor me. That was just the way it was – there were a lot of people around.
“I just get out and do it, and people are going to come up to you and say hello. And that’s fine.
“I used to be nearly afraid of that. I love it now. I basically live a completely normal life, really, apart from the fact that if I walk in somewhere, someone’s going to come up and say hello, that’s fine.
“I walk the dog every day and go on the tube and go into town and go for beers. There’s nothing special.
“It’s a great thing. It’s something that when you were younger, you yearned for.
“We all want that normalcy in effect. You cannot have your f****ing cake and eat it, though, either.
“I want to be out there doing my thing and getting up on stage. It’s the best f***ing thing in the world.”
The former pals’ bruising clash came as they filmed a three-part road trip for a nostalgic Netflix documentary about the band, which has since been scrapped.
Our front page splash on Saturday revealed details of the fightCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHarry goes out of his way to avoid being recognisedCredit: BackGridBack in 2011 the boys said they were as close as brothersCredit: Getty
Despite the frenzy of worldwide adulation, Niall says that down-to-earth fashion buyer Mia, 28, from Birmingham, keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground.
He went on: “You can sit at home and go like, it’s hard for me to do these things.
“But at times, it being uncomfortable or something can be a reason why you don’t do them. Or you can choose for that to not be a reason and you can do them anyway.
“When you shut out a lot of the things that are assumed can be negative, you also just unconsciously shut out a ton of positive things.
“We live a completely normal life outside of this.
“It’s like someone’s pressed pause on a stopwatch, and then when it clicked back in, I was just this different person. It’s really cool. It happened gradually, but when I think about it in hindsight, it felt like just night and day.
I basically live a completely normal life, if someone’s going to come up and say hello, that’s fine
Niall Horan
“My life just went from being all encompassing to having this good divide.
“I love it. I like having the balance. It’s pretty cool.
“I’ve gotten very good at. When I’m at home, I’m completely at home. I’m not doing anything. I just want to be at home.
“But I like going to work now and then being at home, I like it that way.
“Hopefully, I can keep doing that because it’s a nice little balance I’ve got going on. And it takes time to get to that.
“Amelia’s got her own life. She’s been doing her thing, and everything can’t be just surrounding me.
“It’s already weird enough that she used to fly to Amsterdam to come in on a five o’clock flight on a Friday. It can’t be like that all the time.
Niall’s new album Dinner Party is about the night he met fashionista AmeliaCredit: GoffAmelia and Niall at Wimbledon last summerCredit: Getty
“Bringing her into that is a really cool thing. And she feels that sense of pride and looks at the fans and sees the way they’re thinking and things like that.
“It’s such a cool thing for her if I play her a song; she’s never had that before. It’s not like people were coming home in the evening from work and going, ‘Hey, I wrote you a song today.’
“That’s a new thing for her, too. The whole thing is a shock to the system, but our life is just not all about that.”
Niall previously dated Hailee Steinfeld and Ellie Goulding –resulting inEd Sheeranwriting the hit track Don’t about an apparent love triangle between the trio.
He explained recently: “A large part of the last couple of years has just been about, honestly, learning to like myself away from having so much of my value baked into whether other people are enjoying me or not.
“Learning that fears and feelings aren’t facts, and you can have a feeling about yourself and taking the time to be able to see what that is and see where that comes from.”
Louis was cut on the head and left concussed while filming in AmericaCredit: London News PicturesAfter receiving medical treatment, Louis left for the UK, while Zayn returned to his farm in PennsylvaniaCredit: Getty – Contributor
WHEN Jack Whitehall decided to leave Sky’s A League of Their Own in 2018 to try and crack America, he feared it would leave his friendship with his co-stars James Corden and Freddie Flintoff in tatters.
Fast forward eight years, and it appears Jack’s prophecy may have come true. Both Flintoff and Corden skipped his £250k nuptials on Saturday – with Flintoff posting photos of himself on the golf course in Slough instead.
Freddie Flintoff’s absence from Jack Whitehall’s wedding has raised eyebrows and sparked rumours of a feud between the former best matesCredit: AlamyWhen Jack left A League Of Their Own, he feared his friendships with co-stars would be left in tattersCredit: AlamyJames Corden was at Jack’s stag do, but didn’t make the star-studded weddingCredit: CLICK NEWS – DEAN
Their absence at the bash raised eyebrows – and sparked rumours of a feud between the former best mates.
One guest tells us: “Of course, people noticed that Freddie and James weren’t there. They were huge parts of Jack’s life for so long.
“But Freddie has been through so much over the last few years, and people suspected he just didn’t want to be at such a public event.
“All the guests were photographed for Vogue, and it was actually quite a big spectacle, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Freddie didn’t want to be part of the circus.
“Why James missed it is another matter and very bizarre considering he was at the stag do.”
‘Very bizarre’
Other guests, including Jamie Redknapp, who also worked on the Sky show, shared gushing posts about the nuptials on Instagram. Corden however, is no longer following Whitehall.
Meanwhile, Redknapp certainly made his presence known; he posted his Vogue snaps from the big day and gushed: “Congratulations to Jack and Roxy on your big day. I honestly couldn’t be happier for you both. I think the world of you guys, and I’m so proud to be there to see it all
“Jack, you’re like a little brother to me, although somehow still my favourite man baby. And Roxy, fair play… you’ve taken on a lifelong project there.
“Wishing you both a lifetime of laughs, love, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Have the best day, and an even better life together.”
Roxy sent a pointed response, saying: “Thank you so much for being there on our special day x”
His stag do took place at the end of March in London and saw him joined by fellow celebs Jamie Redknapp and James Corden as well as ex-rugby star, Lawrence Dallaglio.
The boozy day out, which Whitehall says started at 11am with a Guinness, ended up getting so rowdy that the comedian can barely remember what happened.
Whitehall tied the knot with Roxy at Euridge Manor over the weekendCredit: anna_longford / InstagramRoxy and Jack’s wedding took place in the grounds of £12million stately home Euridge Manor, near Chippenham, WiltsCredit: Instagram/RoxyhornerJack Whitehall starred alongside James Corden, Jamie Redknapp and Freddie Flintoff on the hit Sky show A League Of Their OwnCredit: Handout
The lads sank pints at The Devonshire pub, before visiting the infamous and very sexy nightclub The Box, which is believed to have put on a private show just for Whitehall and his rowdy group of mates.
They then moved on to mini-golf hotspot, Swingers and ended the night with drinks at the Soho Hotel bar.
Images from the night showed Whitehall staggering down the street with Corden and Redknapp, but Flintoff was absent.
The four mates started working together in 2012, at the time Whitehall was a relative unknown, while Flintoff and Redknapp were sporting legends, and Corden had made his name in comedy Gavin & Stacey.
‘Breaking up the friends’
Whitehall’s career started to take off, and despite League of Their Own being a huge hit, he decided to quit in 2018 to pursue a career in America like Corden.
He admitted at the time he was worried about leaving his mates behind and said: “It was very sad sitting down with Jamie and Freddie and telling James on the phone. Jamie wept.
“I’m the b*****d breaking up the friends. But I think they still like me.
“I think we’re all still pals, it will probably help going forward with our friendship as we won’t see each other all the time.”
His career skyrocketed from there, and a few years later, Corden quit A League of Their Own and then Flintoff left a year later.
Jamie Redknapp, pictured, and James Corden attended Jack’s boozy stag do in London – but Flintoff gave it a missCredit: CLICK NEWS – DEANFlintoff posted photos of himself on the golf course in Slough on Jack and Roxy’s big dayCredit: Instagram
Former cricket star Flintoff landed a place on Top Gear in 2019 but in December 2022, he was involved in a terrifying accident while filming the BBC show.
He was airlifted to hospital after his three-wheeled Morgan flipped, leaving him with devastating facial injuries, which meant he needed reconstructive surgery, as well as suffering some broken ribs.
He became a social recluse, not leaving the house for over six months, and struggled with his mental health, including suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, and anxiety.
Whitehall appeared in Flintoff’s 2025 Disney+ documentary about his accident and recalled their first meeting, he said: “I remember being quite intimidated. I was meeting Freddie Flintoff, who I looked up to a lot as a kid, for the first time.
“So many people think of him as so strong and so alpha, but he’s definitely fragile.”
Asked if he had a message for Flintoff, whose friendship with Top Gear co-host Paddy McGuinness also struggled post-crash, Whitehall replied straight-faced: “Answer my texts.”
2026 is looking like the year of the staycation – and luckily, you’ve got plenty of revamped resorts along the coast to choose from.
Many of the UK’s favourite seaside towns are unveiling major, multi-million-pound makeovers. Luckily, while the upgrades are first-class, the holiday prices remain refreshingly retro.
Blackpool is one of many UK seaside resorts seeing multi-million-pound upgrades this yearCredit: Alamy
We’ve scoured the coast to find the biggest transformations alongside the best-value places to stay, with budget-friendly deals starting from just £35 a night.
From record-breaking theme park rides to Victorian promenades polished back to their former glory, here are the hottest UK seaside spots that have been revamped for 2026.
Blackpool
The huge new gyro swing ride, Aviktas, will be a new addition to Blackpool’s Pleasure BeachCredit: Supplied
If you thought you knew Blackpool, think again. This family entertainment hotspot is undergoing a glow-up.
The popular theme park Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unveiling a massive new ride to keep thrill-seekers on their toes: Aviktas.
The giant gyro swing ride is set to be the tallest of its kind at 138 feet, changing the skyline of Blackpool pier. The ride is set to open on May 21.
As well as this, the seaside town is unveiling a brand-new £3million indoor attraction.
Set to open this summer, Tenpin Blackpool will host 24 bowling lanes as well as a laser tag arena, soft play, escape rooms and even karaoke rooms.
Plus, there’s a cocktail bar and live sports lounge for the grown-ups, too. The attraction is set to open on June 5.
There’s plenty more to look forward to in time for summer as well.
The Southbeach Streetfood dining venue will serve a selection of food from 19 revamped shipping containers, and is set to open by the end of spring.
There’s also the 100th Anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, with ballroom and Latin dance events held at the Winter Gardens from May 16-29.
To enjoy all the new thrills coming to the seaside resort this summer, we’ve scoured the internet for the cheapest staycation deals.
Book Your Stay In Blackpool
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Haven Marton Mere holiday village is just a 12-minute drive from Blackpool, where you can book a holiday from just £49.
The Haven Hideaway deal includes a four-night stay for two in a saver caravan.
Brighton
Brighton’s Victorian Promenade is getting a new lift for step-free access to the beachCredit: GettyA Travelodge is just a two-minute walk from Brighton Beach, with prices starting from £34.99 a nightCredit: Alamy
If you fancy a seaside escape with a touch of Victorian glamour, Brighton is currently polishing its crown.
The city’s famous Victorian promenade has been undergoing a massive £750,000 revamp, with the historic terraces set to fully reopen to the public this year.
It’s the perfect excuse to book a staycation, stroll the seafront and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that makes this city famous.
For a totally free afternoon, head to the Rampion Visitor Centre on the seafront to try out their virtual reality experience, or go street art spotting through the North Laine, where the walls are a giant open-air gallery.
The Brighton Fishing Museum is a great free stop-in to see traditional Sussex boats, while the world-famous Brighton Palace Pier costs just £1 entry for adults (kids go free) and is a must-do when visiting.
Book Your Stay In Brighton
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Despite its “London-by-the-sea” reputation, you can still find a bargain stay right in the thick of the action.
A night at the Travelodge Brighton Seafront is just a two-minute walk from the beach, and can be bagged from just £34.99 a night – leaving you with plenty of spare change for a bag of doughnuts on the pier.
Folkestone
Folkestone’s upgrades just keep coming, with the restoration of the Leas Lift and new dining spotsCredit: AlamyFolkestone has even opened up a sauna on the beach, which is the UK’s largestCredit: Sea Scrub Sauna
Folkestone is all the rage as the artsy seaside town continues to benefit from a massive £20 million makeover.
The town has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with the Creative Quarter’s neon-lit streets leading down to a revamped Harbour Arm.
The Harbour Arm has now become a trendy dining destination, with nearly 70 food and drink outlets available.
Some of the top-rated include the champagne bar The Lighthouse and its sister restaurant Tasting Rooms – visit on Fridays for three courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29.
Plus, spring 2026 brings the long-awaited return of the historic Leas Lift, a Victorian water-balanced funicular that’s been restored to its former glory.
When visiting, you can spend a totally free afternoon wandering the Folkestone Artworks trail to see sculptures by famous artists, or head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park to make use of the largest free adventure play area in the South East.
For some unique self-care, visit the brand new Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach for a sweat with a sea view.
Book Your Stay In Folkestone
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You can bag a stay at the Burstin Hotel overlooking the harbour from just £49 a night.
Southampton
The Town Quay in Southampton is soon to receive a £200million upgradeCredit: AlamyHythe Pier stretches 700 yards and is accessible via the world’s oldest pier railwayCredit: Alamy
Southampton is one year into the major makeover of its waterfront and city centre, in a grand revamp described by the council as “The Renaissance Vision”.
Plus, the newly-approved £200million upgrade to Town Quay will soon see the addition of a new hotel complex, bringing a spa and even a helipad to the waterfront.
While the planning for the big builds is underway, one heritage seafront attraction has reopened to the public.
If you visit this summer, you’ll be able to walk the newly reopened Hythe Pier – a 145-year-old seaside pier that is sparkling new again after six months of extensive restoration.
To get there, board the world’s oldest pier train at Hythe Pier Railway. The pier stretches a whopping 700 yards from the centre of Hythe to Southampton Water, and costs £1 to enter.
To explore Southampton’s history, you can spend a totally free afternoon walking the Titanic Trail, which leads you through the city centre to historic memorials.
Or see the exciting new displays at Southampton City Art Gallery, which has just reopened its doors in March 2026 following a year of upgrades.
Book Your Stay In Southampton
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For a budget-friendly base right in the heart of the action, you can bag a room at the Ibis Budget Southampton from just £40 a night.
Margate
Trendy Cliftonville will be receiving a beachfront skate park as part of Margate’s major upgradesCredit: AlamyHead for a swim in Walpole Bay, a giant tidal pool spanning four acres in sizeCredit: Getty
Margate is undergoing continued transformations set to further transform the seaside town into one of the UK’s trendiest coastal hubs.
Local neighbourhood Cliftonville was named thecoolest street in the UK by Time Outlast year, and the area’s only getting more stylish with the addition of a brand new attraction.
Abandoned gardens overlooking the sea will be transformed into a beachfront skatepark in Cliftonville, a trendy area known as “Shoreditch-on-sea”.
The skatepark is predicted to open in the late summer of 2026, and set to cost £1.1million to build.
As well as this, Margate’s Winter Gardens are set to reopen after an £8million upgrade. The historic seaside venue has seen bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take the stage, first opening in 1910.
Now the charming venue will see the addition of a snazzy rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a nursery and drama school. The Main Hall of the Winter Gardens is set to reopen to the public in late 2026, with other new additions opening in stages throughout 2027.
Plus, the upgrades aren’t slowing down anytime soon, with proposed plans to build a new £95,000 accessible boardwalk on Margate Sands.
To see the best of this trendy resort on your trip, stroll along the beachfront to soak up sea views, before stopping in at the free-to-enter Turner Contemporary gallery to see the latest exhibition.
Elsewhere, take a dip in what’s believed to be the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay, or take the family along to the free Crab Museum in the Old Town for a quirky, hands-on experience of science and marine life.
Book Your Stay In Margate
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For a budget-friendly stay, Premier Inn Margate offers sea views and is close to Dreamland amusement park, with rooms from £78 per night.
Hull
Hull was named one of National Geographic’s best places to travel in the world in 2026Credit: GettyThe Spurn Lightship opened up on Hull Marina in March 2026, for the first time since 2018Credit: Alamy
Named one of National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel to in 2026, Hull has plenty to offer holidaymakers.
A massive £27.5m makeover has seen the area invest in its maritime history, with the money poured into the city’s historic museum and ships.
The Maritime Museum, which received an £11million makeover beginning in 2020, is finally set to reopen in summer 2026.
New additions to the museum include a 40-foot whale skeleton, miniature ship models and maritime artwork.
As well as this, the new and improved Spurn Lightship opened in early March of 2026, having been closed to the public since 2018.
The floating museum is free to visit, with slots reserved online. You can also book a place for a free maritime guided tour, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Hull also boasts plenty of totally free attractions, such as the Streetlife Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram and stroll down a 1940s high street.
Alternatively, head to Hull‘s revamped Queen’s Gardens. Set to reopen in April 2026, the gardens’ three ponds have been refreshed, plus there are redesigned Peace Gardens and plenty of new maritime-themed activities.
Book Your Stay In Hull
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Bag a stay in this coastal hotspot at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, where rooms start from £69 a night.
Littlehampton
Littlehampton received a £7.2million investment to build family attractions on the West GreenCredit: AlamyThe West Green in Littlehampton now has a waterfront splash park with shade spots to rest inCredit: Experience Sussex
Littlehampton is quickly becoming a firm family favourite for 2026, thanks to the massive £7.2million transformation of the West Green seafront.
With the revamp reaching completion late last year, the seaside resort is ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 spring and summer season.
The West Green seafront now has a water play area, with jets, splash pads and shaded areas to make use of in the hotter months.
As well as this, families can make use of the barbecue zones, mini basketball court and beach volleyball court. Plus, there’s also a climbing wall and petanque setup for even more fun and games.
And when you get hungry, there’s your pick of food and drink kiosks, from the Soul Kitchen and Bar to delicious Jim’s Ice Cream.
To extend your free family day out in Littlehampton, stroll the promenade past the colourful and quirky longest bench in Britain, which winds along the coast.
Or for an indoor option, pop into the Littlehampton Museum, which offers free entry and a look at the town’s history, from the Anglo-Saxon era to WWII.
There’s so much to do in the surrounding area, too. Just a few miles west is the town of Bognor Regis, where you could get day passes to Butlin’s.
There’s also the Bognor Pier, Hotham Park Miniature Railway and Blake’s Cottage, the former home of the poet William Blake, which is now a museum.
There’s also the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate and Racecourse, Petworth House and Amberley Museum.
Book Your Stay In Littlehampton
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You can stay just a mile from the new seafront action at the Travelodge Littlehampton Rustington from just £39.99 a night.
STAYCATIONS are on the rise once again, as nervous Brits look for a holiday closer to home.
Yet a trip exploring the beauty of the UK doesn’t have to be expensive – if you know where to look.
A UK staycation can still be done on a budget, with lots of hotels under £100 a nightCredit: Alamy
According to Hotels.com, searches for stays across Britain that are under £100 are up 21 per cent compared to last year.
Expedia Group expert Melanie Fish shared some of her top tips on how to find the cheapest hotel room stays, such as booking business hotels on weekends for lower rates.
She also said: “One of the simplest ways to save is checking in on a Sunday night, which is often the cheapest day of the week, helping travellers stretch their budgets further while racking up rewards.”
Here are ten of the best hotels across the country where all the stays are under £100 (so less than £50 each a night), ranging from city centre stays to rural vineyard retreats.
Malmaison Manchester – £94 a night (£47 each)
One of the fanciest on the list, the four-star Malmaison in Manchester, is still an affordable option.
Right in front of the city’s main train station, the hotel is built in a converted Victorian warehouse.
It makes you want to never leave, from the fancy Brasserie serving a British-French menu, to the stylish Mal Bar.
Of course, it’s right by all of the city’s top attractions too, from the Arndale Centre to Old Trafford.
Book your stay
One night at Malmaison Manchester via Hotels.com from £94 see here.
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Maldron Hotel, Liverpool – £83 a night (£41.50 each)
Despite also being a four-star hotel, the Maldron Hotel is the cheapest on the list.
The Liverpool hotel is no frills, but central – rooms have everything you need from hairdryers to coffee machines.
There’s an on-site barista-coffee cafe, as well as an all-day dining restaurant.
It’s in a great location too – you can easily get to attractions such as the M&S Bank Arena or Royal Albert Docks.
Book your stay
One night stay at Maldron Hotel via Hotels.com from £83 a night see here.
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Maldron Hotel in Liverpool is simple but central, so perfect for affordable weekend breaksCredit: Maldron Hotel
Lumley Castle, Durham – £92 a night (£46 each)
The 14th-century Lumley Castle is now a hotel and venue space, and is a bargain to stay at.
The hotel has 72 rooms, many of which will transport you back to Ye Olde times with spiral staircases and grand four-poster beds
Settle in for a spot of brunch at the Library Bar, or experience a full classic menu at the Knight’s Restaurant.
One night stay at Lumley Castle via Hotels.com from £92 a night see here.
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Why not stay in a castle for less than £50 a night?Credit: Supplied
Aldwick Estate, Bristol – £95 a night (£47.50 each)
Still a working farm and vineyard, Aldwick Estate is set across 300 acres.
Guests can not only stay on-site at a number of apartment options, but they can also book some wine tastings.
The 90-minute tours include the history of the estate, as well, of course, some tastings of the award-winning sparkling wines.
It’s less than 10 minutes from Bristol Airport, too.
Book your stay
One night stay at Aldiwick Estate via Hotels.com from £95 a night, see here.
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Aldwick Estate is one for the wine loversCredit: Aldwick Estate
Rodway Hill Eco Pod, Gloucester – £96 a night (£48 each)
If you want to get back to basics, you can go glamping at the end of a golf course for under £50 each.
Rodway Hill Eco Pod is ideal for keen golfers as you step out right onto the grass from the front of the room.
They’re no frills – you need to take your own towels, and there are shared ensuite facilities.
But with breakfast also included (expect all the classic hot and cold options) – you can be first to put on the day.
Book your stay
One night stay at Rodway Hill Eco Pod via Hotels.com from £96 a night see here.
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Golf lovers can stay in lodges right by the putting greenCredit: Supplied
Ty Milford Waterfront, Pembrokeshire – £96 a night (£48 each)
Right by Milford beach is Ty Milford Waterfront, with all the hotel rooms kitted out with everything you need
Try Dulse, the on-site restaurant for some of the freshest seafood (and a unique rhubarb and custard profiterole), or work it off at the hotel gym overlooking the water too.
Kids even stay free this half term, and there is often both live music and pub quizzes on.
Want to splash out? Try the ‘floatels’ – four cabins that float on the water to be rocked to sleep by the tide.
Book your stay
One night stay at Ty Milford Waterfront via Hotels.com from £96 a night, see here.
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Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel even has floating marina lodgesCredit: Booking.com
The Grosvenor Arms, Salisbury – £94 a night (£47 each)
The Grosvenor Arms, built in a 17th-century former coaching inn, has all the best parts of a British pub, but a little bit fancier.
There’s just nine cosy rooms for both couples and families, which they say has more of the “charm of an inn than a hotel room”.
Eating at the pub itself is a must, if you love a menu of British food with a flair – or pop in on a Friday for freshly cooked pizzas.
Nearby attractions include the unusual hexagonal Wardour Castle, which was used to film the 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film.
Book your stay
One night stay at Grosvenor Arms via Hotels.com from £94 a night, see here.
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The Grosvenor Arms is an affordable pub, but with beautiful rooms and foodCredit: The Grosvenor Arms
The Westbridge, London – £97 a night (£48.50)
The chic Westbridge hotel says it is a “home from home,” being in the London district of Stratford.
Dating back to 1740, many of the rooms are named after themed royal family members.
The lounge bar is limited – serving just pizza, some snacks and desserts – so you might want to head out for dinner.
Thankfully is right by all of the popular London attractions too, including the Olympic Park and ABBA Voyage.
Book your stay
One night stay at The Westbridge via Hotels.com from £97 a night, see here.
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The Westbridge Hotel is an affordable London stay option right by some big attractionsCredit: The Westbridge Hotel
The all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London – that’s £55 each a night
The Sun’s Travel Reporter recently tried out London’s ‘all-inclusive’ hotel which comes in at just over £100 a night.
This sounded too good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.
I arrived to check in at 3pm – this is when they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.
I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.
There was also a made-to-order selection on a dinner menu, which featured a wide choice of sandwiches and salads.
I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta – it was simple but tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.
However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.
Just an hour later, a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.
I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.
For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.
Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth, helping myself to the selection.
As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.
If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.
When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, and pastries.
I opted for some cold apple juice and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yoghurt.
Before leaving, I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.
My verdict? This hotel is a genuine find.
Totting up all the food I had, using the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.
In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn, yet a fraction of the price.
Nunsmere Hall, Northwich – £95 a night (£47.50 each)
Inside the Edwardian country house in Northwich is Nunsmere Hall, surrounded by a 60-acre lake.
Usually used as a wedding venue, there are 36 hotel rooms, which are simple but affordable.
But you want to come here for dinner – voted ‘County Restaurant of the Year’ by The Good Food Guide, the ever-changing menu includes dishes such as steak and pasta.
Otherwise, grab a drink at The Captain’s Bar, some afternoon tea or have a wander around Northwich itself, a beautiful riverside town.
Book your stay
One night stay at Nunsmere Hall via Hotels.com from £97 a night see here.
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Nunsmere Hall is nearly completely surrounded by waterCredit: Nunsmere Hall
The Met Hotel, Leeds – £97 a night (£48.50 each)
One of Leeds‘ most beautiful buildings, The Met Hotel is built into the Victorian listed landmark dating back to the 1890s yet underwent a huge renovation last year.
There are 120 rooms, which have recently been refurbished, with classy interiors that make it feel much more expensive than it is.
Gott’s Bar & Kitchen feels like stepping back in time, with a mix of small plates, mains and grills.
Pop your head into the Met Ballroom too – it’s a beauty.
Book your stay
One night stay at The Met Hotel via Hotels.com from £97 a night, see here.
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The grand Victorian building is right by the train station tooCredit: The Met Hotel
AFTER becoming the first Love Island star to make Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, savvy Molly-Mae Hague has a nifty plan to ‘Fury-proof’ her finances.
With a staggering £22million in the bank and a second baby with boxer fiancé Tommy on the way, there are whispers that a watertight pre-nup featuring a “loyalty clause” is in the works.
Molly-Mae took Tommy Fury back a year ago after their shock split in 2024… but she’s determined to make sure he’s 100% dedicated to herCredit: GettyTommy surprised Molly with a romantic Ibiza proposal in 2023Credit: Instagram
Now sources close to the business-minded beauty say she is determined to make sure Tommy, 26, is 100 per cent dedicated to her before tying the knot.
An insider explained: “Molly has more than proved she knows a thing or two about making money and she knows full well what marriage could mean for her wealth.
“There’s been talk that she would want him to sign a contract before they commit any further, which would have a cheating clause and allow her the access to her money she feels she might need to move on.”
Molly was already a popular influencer when she appeared on Love Island in 2019 and met Tommy but her rise to super stardom and extreme wealth after the show is unprecedented.
Molly would not be the first woman to demand a cheating clause.
Catherine Zeta Jones is said to have included a similar one in the pre-nup prior to her 2000 wedding to fellow actor Michael Douglas.
It was reported that if he ever cheated he would have to pay Catherine £1million for every year they were married.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel also allegedly have a clause in their prenup that would entitle Jess to £400,000 if he cheated.
It was late in the summer of 2024 that Molly dumped Tommy, telling her followers: “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever have to write this.
“After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.”
The couple had been planning to move into a £5million mansion but after Tommy was accused of kissing a blonde beauty on a lads’ holiday to Macedonia, Molly stayed put in her £4million Cheshire home and booted Tommy out.
There’s been talk that she would want him to sign a contract before they commit any further, which would have a cheating clause
And while they now live in their new family home, we can reveal Molly has kept hold of her first mansion, which is solely in her use.
Molly was already a popular influencer when she appeared on Love Island in 2019 and met TommyCredit: RexMolly has started wearing her huge engagement ring againCredit: mollymae/Instagram..
Our insider said: “Molly has been very reluctant to sell the Cheshire home and knows it’s probably wise to keep hold of it as a back up.”
At the start of the year fans were shocked when Molly quietly announced she was expecting another baby with Tommy, and was already six months pregnant.
Pals say the star opted to have another child with Tommy because she was keen that her children all have the same father.
Another source adds: “Molly is very traditional in lots of ways and Tommy is, of course, also very old school, so they wanted to have more children together.”
A blended family was not an option for Molly, the source said.
Molly’s dream
“She wants her kids to have consistency like she had growing up. It’s one of the main reasons she got back with him.”
Casting doubt over their relationship, Tommy’s dad John Fury said in the family’s Netflix show, At Home With The Furys: “Molly is a lovely person, but she can’t help the life she’s been brought up in, it’s contrasting to ours.
“But she’s put up with some s*** hasn’t she, so fair play to her – she’s not a bad girl.
“I’m also going to be there to support them. Let’s see what happens.”
Tommy’s half brother and former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson has also been critical of Molly’s career.
She wants her kids to have consistency like she had growing up. It’s one of the main reasons she got back with him.
Source
In the new series of his show he appears mocking of influencers, warning his daughter Venezuela: “If you are an influencer your private life is non-existent. Look at Tommy and Molly. If you want to make money out of doing nothing, basically privacy doesn’t exist.
“I’ve done a million-thousand achievements. I can write a table full of them. We’re just in an era where you can get famous for what? Getting our tits out on telly.”
But Molly, a dropout from the London College of Fashion, has come a long way since Love Island.
Forbes might have put Tyson at No3 in its ranking of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with his earnings being estimated at £120 million, but Molly is hot on his heels (wearing her sold-out Adidas shoe collection).
Pals say Molly opted to have another child with Tommy because she was keen her children all have the same fatherCredit: InstagramMolly has been very reluctant to sell the Cheshire home to keep it as a back up, revealed our insiderCredit: Refer to source
FROM sipping cocktails by an infinity pool to fine-dining restaurants, you might think you need to book a mega-expensive, five star all-inclusive to experience luxury.
But I’ll let you in on a secret – I’ve stayed in over 200 hotels through my job at a top holiday firm and some of the best holidays I’ve had haven’t been the fanciest or most expensive, but have been the ones that just get the basics spot on.
Holiday expert Rob Brooks has been to more than 200 all-inclusive hotels around the worldCredit: Rob Brooks
Clean rooms. Decent food. Good pools. Easy locations. And prices that feel like you’ve got away with something.
Because right now, I’m seeing all-inclusive holidays coming in cheaper than a weekend in the UK.
And these are the all-inclusive hotels that overdeliver for what you pay.
All prices were correct at time of publication.
Hotel Riviera Sousse, Tunisia – from £240pp
Hotel Riviera Sousse in Tunisia offers week-long breaks from just £240ppCredit: Google maps
Big central pool, water slides, direct beach access, plus multiple bars and a main buffet restaurant – everything you need is on site.
Where it wins is value. You’re getting a full resort experience, loads included, and proper winter sun – for less than most self-catering trips in Europe.
Book Your Stay
This deal for 7 nights at Hotel Riviera Sousse flying from London Southend in December, for £240pp all-inclusive, is about as cheap as it gets for this kind of setup.
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Filion Suites Resort & Spa, Crete – from £375pp
You could stay at the Filion Suites Resort & Spa in Crete for a week from £375pp which never feels crowdedCredit: Google maps
This is one of those hotels that feels more expensive than it is.
You’ve got multiple pools spread across the resort (along with an indoor plunge pool), a main buffet restaurant plus bars dotted around, and loads of space – it never feels cramped.
What makes it great value is the setup. Big rooms, peaceful setting in the hills, and a slightly more premium feel without the premium price tag.
Book Your Stay
The Filion Suites Resort & Spa has a week available in October, flying from London Luton to Crete, coming in at £375pp all-inclusive – which is seriously good for this level of hotel.
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Supreme Beach Hotel, Turkey – from £240pp
Supreme Beach Hotel in Turkey offers a affordable luxury at £240pp for a week-long stayCredit: Google maps
This is a smaller, adults-only hotel right on the beachfront.
You’ve got a pool area, bar, and restaurant – but the real selling point is how easy it is. Step outside and you’re right by the sea.
This works because it strips things back.
You’re not paying for loads of extras you won’t use – just a great location and a simple all-inclusive that does the job.
Book Your Stay
Supreme Beach Hotel has holidays available this May, flying from London Stansted to Dalaman, from £240pp all-inclusive.
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Hotel Sineva Beach, Bulgaria – from £280pp
Hotel Sineva Beach in Bulgaria offers week-long stays from £280ppCredit: Google maps
This Sunny Beach property is one of the best-positioned hotels on the list, being right on the beachfront.
This means not only amazing sea views, but a big pool area, restaurant, and a couple of bars – everything is centred around that coastal setting.
What makes it great value is how much space you get. It feels open, relaxed, and easy – not overcrowded like some budget resorts.
Book Your Stay
Hotel Sineva Beach has May holidays from London Luton to Burgas for £280pp all-inclusive, which is strong value for a beachfront stay.
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Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park, Tunisia – from £330pp
Families can make use of the giant pool, waterpark and slides at Mahdia Beach & Aqua ParkCredit: Google maps
This one’s all about the waterpark and beachfront combo.
Slides, multiple pools, a big buffet restaurant and bars – it’s designed for easy, all-day entertainment without leaving the hotel.
What makes it stand out is how much is included for the price.
It’s a full family resort experience at a fraction of what you’d normally pay.
Book Your Stay
Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park has November holidays from London Southend at £330pp all-inclusive – ideal if you want a cheap hit of sun when it’s freezing at home.
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Falcon Hills, Sharm El Sheikh – from £300pp
Falcon Hills Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh is small but stunning – especially at sunsetCredit: Google maps
A simpler hotel, but one that delivers where it matters.
You’ve got pools, a restaurant, bars, and access to everything you need – plus that guaranteed Egypt sunshine.
This is all about value. Once you’re there, everything’s covered, and you’re not constantly spending.
Book Your Stay
Falcon Hills has November deals from London Luton to Sharm El Sheikh at £300pp all-inclusive, which is hard to beat for winter sun.
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Greenwood Kemer Resort, Turkey – from £295p
Greenwood Kemer Resort is in Antalya, Turkey, and is known for its dramatic mountainous landscapeCredit: Google maps
This one feels more premium than the price suggests thanks to its huge swimming pool overlooked by mountains and greenery.
There are multiple restaurants and bars, including a buffet as well as Turkish and Italian a la carte.
What makes it great value is the overall feel – it’s a proper resort experience without the usual price tag.
Book Your Stay
Stay at Greenwood Kemer Resort this May with flights from London Gatwick to Antalya for £295pp all-inclusive, which is excellent for Turkey.
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Villa Dorada, Salou – from £360pp
Stay in sunny Salou in Spain for a week from just £360pp at the Villa DoradaCredit: Alamy
Simple, well-located, and does exactly what you need, while still having a pool, restaurant, bar.
For families, there is everything from mini discos while for adults you can even learn some Spanish or Flamenco.
A short walk from the beach and everything in Salou, the value here is all about location. You’re not paying for extras, you’re paying for convenience – and it works.
Book Your Stay
Villa Dorada has May deals from London Stansted to Reus for £360pp all-inclusive, which is solid for Spain.
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Tiana Beach Resort, Bodrum – from £245pp
Tiana Beach Resort in Bodrum has a luxurious feel, with a sleek outdoor pool and sun terraceCredit: Google maps
This is one of the cheapest on the list – and it still delivers.
A small beachfront setup, a pool, restaurant and bar, with everything close together and easy (and even a spa if you want to spend a little extra for some pampering).
What makes it brilliant value is how simple it is – you’re right by the sea, everything’s included, and you’re paying barely anything for it.
Book Your Stay
Nab a week-long stay flying from London Stansted to Bodrum in May for just £245pp all-inclusive – which feels almost too good to be true.
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Melia Sunny Beach Resort, Bulgaria – from £325pp
Melia Sunny Beach Resort in Bulgaria is a wallet-friendly all-inclusive optionCredit: Google maps
Multiple pools, water slides, several restaurants and bars which includes some of the finest Bulgarian-themed dinners – it’s built for people who want everything in one place.
The value here comes from the quality of the offering. It feels a level above typical budget all-inclusives, especially when it comes to facilities and food.
Book Your Stay
Melia Sunny Beach Resort has May holidays flying from London Luton for £325pp all-inclusive, which is very good for a resort of this size.
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You don’t have to spend a fortune or hours flying to have an amazing holiday.
Take a short break to Madrid for tapas, local wine and plenty of free and cheap art attractionsCredit: Getty
Luckily there’s loads of amazing and affordable European cities right on our doorstep – and with cheap and speedy flights, you can tick them off more easily than you’d think.
With delicious street food, cheap beers and plenty of local history, these European city breaks will give you a short haul holiday to look forward to – all for less than £100 per person.
We’ve found destinations you can visit for two nights from £99 or under, including popular capital cities you can tick off your bucket list – plus all of the best things to see and do there.
So whether you want to explore hidden ruin bars in Budapest, catch sunsets at the beach in the Algarve, or visit quirky art galleries in Madrid, these breaks have something for everyone.
Here are 10 European gems where £99 covers both your flights and hotel, leaving you with more to spend when you land.
Prices were correct at time of publication.
Madrid – £99pp
Madrid has masses of world-class art and architecture to exploreCredit: Alexander Spatari
For a sunny city break that’s big on style but easy on the wallet, Madrid is a total winner.
Spain‘s capital has masses of world-class art and architecture to explore.
To tick off some of the top sights, take in the regal beauty of the grand Palacio Real (The Royal Palace of Madrid), or visit the 15th-century Plaza Mayor to get into the real heart of Madrid.
The magnificent views don’t stop there. Make sure to take a visit to the 125 hectare El Retiro Park, where a visit to the stunning glass Crystal Palace won’t cost you a penny.
Art lovers can also hit the so-called Golden Triangle of galleries for free if they time it right.
The world-famous Prado offers free entry from 6 – 8pm from Monday – Saturday, whilst the Reina Sofía opens for free from 7pm Monday – Saturday (excluding Tuesdays).
The Thyssen-Bornemisza completes the trio, with free entry on Mondays and on Saturdays from 9pm.
Then, when hunger hits, skip the tourist traps and join the locals on Calle de la Cava Baja – one of the area’s most lively streets – for a tapas crawl, or grab a legendary calamari sandwich at La Campana for around €4.
Getting around is a breeze, too. While the city is incredibly walkable, the speedy Metro offers a 10-trip pass for just €7.30 (£6.36), plus kids under four travel for free.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Cuatro Caños hotel from May 18, including return flights from Bristol, from £99pp.
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Berlin – £89pp
You could go on a city break to the artsy and affordable Berlin from just £89ppCredit: Alamy
Effortlessly cool and cost-friendly, Berlin is packed with things to see and do that won’t cost you a penny.
You can walk through the giant monument Brandenburg Gate, walk the 1,316 metre-long open-air East Side Gallery, or catch a free lunchtime concert at the Berlin Philharmonie at 1pm on Wednesdays.
For the largest open space in the city, head to Tempelhofer Feld. It’s a massive former airport where locals enjoy cycling, skating, jogging and cooking together in the BBQ zone. It’s the ultimate free hangout in the heart of the city.
Going for a night out in Berlin is a must. If you like your music loud and your beer cheap, go to Clash in Kreuzberg. It’s a legendary gritty spot with alternative music and affordable pints.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the Mercure Hotel & Residenz Checkpoint Charlie from 27 April, including return flights from East Midlands airport, from £89pp.
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Prague – £99pp
Visit Prague for a city with a fairytale feel that won’t blow your budget.
To see the city at its best, set an early alarm to walk Charles Bridge at sunrise before the crowds arrive, or wander the sprawling Prague Castle courtyards and the peacock-filled Wallenstein Palace Gardens for free.
To sample some of Prague‘s best budget-friendly food, hunt down a deli for a traditional open-faced chlebíček sandwich for about CZK 30 (£1.09) or grab a massive slab of smažený sýr (fried cheese) from a street stall for around CZK 135 (£4.80).
One of the best ways to see the city is to hop on Tram 22. It’s essentially a sightseeing tour that goes past the National Theatre and right up to the gates of Prague Castle.
A standard 30-minute ticket costs 36 CZK (£1.28).
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Plus Prague Hostel from 26 April, including return flights from London Stansted, from £99pp.
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Budapest – £99pp
Visit the Charles Bridge across the Vltava River early in the morning for unbeatable viewsCredit: Getty – Contributor
If you’re after a holiday with a high-end feel that won’t break the bank, Budapest is for you.
Hike up Gellért Hill for a panoramic sunset, or explore the fairytale lower turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion for free.
You’re not short of options when it comes to street food in Budapest. Head to the Great Market Hall to grab a massive, garlic-rubbed lángos (deep-fried flatbread) from 900 HUF (£2.04).
Plus no visit to Budapest is complete without trying a cylinder-shaped chimney cake, which you can buy from vendors across the city for around 1,000 HUF (£2.27).
A relaxing trip to the thermal baths is another must when in Budapest. Dandar is the cheapest option, and even cheaper if you visit on a weekday. An adult ticket costs 3,500 HUF (£8.08) during the week compared to 4,000 HUF (£9.23) on weekends and public holidays.
When night falls, dive into the legendary Jewish Quarter ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert, where you can grab a local pint amidst a maze of quirky, recycled decor.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the Easy Star Hotel from 26 April, including return flights from London Stansted, from £99pp.
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Krakow – £99pp
Wawel Castle has historical courtyards with a dragon statue that are free to visitCredit: Getty
Krakow is a European city that’s known for its affordability and great nights out – what more could you want from a city break?
Head to Wawel Royal Hill, where the castle courtyards and the fire-breathing dragon statue are free to visit, before crossing into the Kazimierz district to see its bohemian courtyard cafes and street art.
Plus you can visit the Rynek Underground Museum on a Tuesday for free entry, or take a walk through the Planty Park, a belt of vibrant green that surrounds the Old Town where the medieval defensive walls used to be.
For a lunch that costs less than a coffee back at home, hit a Milk Bar like Pod Temidą for a huge plate of pierogi for 29 zł (under £5.89), or grab a zapiekanka (a pizza-like giant baguette) in Plac Nowy for around £3.
Drinks are a steal too, with local beers in the city’s famous cellar bars still priced around £2.20.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Hotel Daisy Budget from 27 April, including return flights from Manchester, from £99pp.
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Lloret de Mar, Spain – £77pp
Take a scenic coastal cruise to Tossa de Mar, where a castle overlooks the beachCredit: Alamy
Who can say no to a sun-soaked weekend away in Spain from just £77pp?
Follow the Camino de Ronda coastal path for a cliffside trail that leads to hidden, turquoise coves like Trons Bay and the peaceful Fenals Beach.
For even more beautiful views, explore the Santa Clotilde Gardens, where Renaissance-style terraces overlook the sea, or visit the colourful Sant Romà Church in the town centre.
When you get hungry, avoid the beachfront tourist traps and look for a Menu del Día in the backstreets, where you can get three courses and authentic dishes including seafood or paella from just €10 (£8.71).
The nightlife here is legendary for a reason – you can find bars offering cocktails for £5 and beers for under £3 at your pick of spots along the strip.
And if you’ve got time after all of those adventures, take the local Dolfi boat taxi to the nearby medieval town of Tossa de Mar for €30.40 (£26.46) return. It’s a scenic coastal cruise and a day trip to a castle overlooking the beach all in one.
Book Your Stay
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the BLUESEA Montevista Hawai, including return flights from London from £77pp.
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Salou, Spain – £92pp
Salou makes for an ideal short break for families, with Port Aventura World nearby
Big on thrills and little on costs, Salou is the crown jewel of Spain’s Costa Dorada.
For the best coastal views, walk the Camí de Ronda and dip into glimmering turquoise coves like Cala Crancs.
For an exciting day out, PortAventura World is renowned for its theme parks with rollercoasters and water parks with giant slides all in one place. You can grab a day pass from TUI for £37 per adult and £32 per child.
For a spectacular and free evening activity, head to the Jaume I Promenade to catch the Cybernetic Fountains – a vibrant display of water, music, and laser lights.
The nightlife here is famous for its value, with bars along the Carrer de Saragossa offering pints for €2 (£1.74) and free shots to get the party started.
For a slice of history, take a short bus ride to the nearby city of Tarragona where you can explore its UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheatre by the sea, and cool off with a gelato in the historic Old Town.
Book Your Stay
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay at Hotel Best Da Vinci, including return flights from London Stansted, for £92pp.
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Le Raincy, France – £96pp
Le Raincy is a lesser-known French destination just 30 minutes from the Gare du Nord in Paris.
Its crown jewel is the Notre-Dame du Raincy – a modern church built entirely of concrete that shines with light thanks to its stunning floor-to-ceiling stained glass. Plus it’s completely free to visit.
Here you can wander the leafy, tranquil streets of this so-called garden city, a slice of peace and quiet away from the pace of central Paris.
For an authentic and affordable lunch, grab a freshly-baked baguette and some local cheese from a boulangerie on Avenue de la Résistance.
In the evenings there are plenty of cosy bars to dip into, like Le 40, where you can enjoy a glass of French wine and some charcuterie without the “tourist tax” of the city centre.
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay at Zenao Appart’hôtels Le Raincy Thiers, including return flights from Birmingham, for £96pp.
San Antonio, Ibiza – £95pp
We found 2-night breaks to sunny San Antonio in Ibiza from just £95ppCredit: supplied
If you want the White Isle experience without the price tag, San Antonio is the way to go.
Start evenings on the legendary Sunset Strip, where crowds gather on the rocks to watch everything from the sun dipping into the Mediterranean to a world-class DJ.
Or head to the Kumharas beach bar and market for a hippy vibe with live music, again perfect for watching the sunset.
Cocktails here will set you back €14 (around £12), but for the stunning views and beach club atmosphere, it’s very affordable compared to elsewhere in Ibiza.
To get your steps in and culture fix at the same time, follow a free street art tour through the town’s backstreets.
The nightlife in the West End is where the real savings are, with many bars offering “pre-club” drink deals that are a fraction of the £15+ you’d pay for inside the big venues.
Book Your Stay
On the Beach offer a 2-night stay at the adults-only Brisa hotel, including return flights from London Stansted, for £95pp.
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Albufeira, Portugal – £95pp
You could be topping up your tan on the beaches of Portugal’s Algarve on a break from £95ppCredit: Getty
Albufeira is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the Algarve, and it’s equally as beautiful as it is budget-friendly.
Spend days exploring the whitewashed alleys of the Old Town, or wandering through rock tunnels to reach the golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores.
Plus the Pau da Bandeira viewpoint makes for the ultimate postcard-like photo of the coastline.
When night falls, the neon-lit strip in Montechoro is the place for bargain hunters, with happy hour pints at spots like Rock Time starting from just €1.95 (£1.70).
When it comes to transport, avoid the pricey taxi ranks and use the Giro local bus network to reach spots like the spectacular Praia da Falésia, with its red cliffs and endless golden sands.
Book Your Stay
On the Beach offer a 2-night stay at the 16+ Areias Senses hotel, including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick, for £95pp.
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THE UK is home to some of the world’s most stunning coastlines, but a stay at a “big name” resort can end up costing you more than a week in the Med.
Not to worry, we’ve unearthed the seaside spots which offer an unforgettable staycation without spending a fortune.
With a golden sandy beach backed by a traditional seaside promenade the town of Cleethorpes is a great holiday destinationCredit: Nelincs.gov.uk/The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway offers two-mile trips along the coast in a steam or diesel locomotiveCredit: Cleethorpes coast light railway
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration
Whether you’re after a classic bucket-and-spade stay with a nostalgic promenade, or looking for those off the beaten path hiking spots, we’ve got you covered.
Best of all, we’ve found 2026 staycation deals starting from as little as £49 – meaning your next seaside escape could cost less than going out for dinner.
Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
Often overshadowed by Skegness, Cleethorpes is an underrated seaside town on the east Lincolnshire coast.
This family-friendly resort town boasts miles of unspoilt soft sands, with a traditional pier and promenade.
In the central promenade area you’ll find an abundance of activities such as bowling, crazy golf and seaside amusements.
The Lollipop Land Train is a big hit with kids, taking you on a scenic ride along the seafront for just £2 each way – plus kids come away with a lollipop!
You’ll also find the 19th-century Ross Castle, as well as the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers two-mile trips along the coast in a steam or diesel locomotive, costing £5.75 per adult or £5.25 per child for a return.
That’s not all – a full day can easily be spent at the Light Railway as the site also hosts a tearoom, crazy golf course and toy shop.
Plus halfway along the line you’ll find Lakeside, where a vintage railway building has been transformed into a miniature pub called The Signal Box Inn, often hailed as the smallest pub on the planet.
When you want to explore a little further, a 10-minute drive takes you to Grimsby, home to the award-winning attraction the Fishing Heritage Centre. Here you’ll be transported back to a 1950’s fishing port, and visit the famous trawler Ross Tiger.
Haven Cleethorpes Beach is a mega holiday park with its own on-site Wetherspoons, as well as a massive, action-packed Adventure Village.
You can book a four-night stay at Cleethorpes Beach in a four-bed saver caravan from just £49 with a Haven Hideaway deal.
West Mersea Beach is lined by quirky pastel beach huts in Mersea Island, EssexCredit: AlamyCudmore Grove Country Park has a wooden play area and plenty of trails for dog walksCredit: Visit Essex
Mersea Island, Essex
Mersea Island is a seaside gem accessible via a causeway that disappears under the tide twice a day, with stunning landscapes and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the flashy piers of Southend.
The island is known for its unique beaches, marshland wildlife and delicious oysters.
West Mersea Beach is an old-fashioned spot backed by pastel-coloured beach huts, whilst Monkey Beach is a lesser-known spot likely named after the monkey steps leading down to its shores.
You can spend a free afternoon crabbing off the West Mersea pontoon, or exploring the Cudmore Grove Country Park, a Green Flag spot with a wooden play area and pretty meadows made for dog walks.
A 20-minute drive (at low tide) takes you to Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, where you can visit its impressive castle or take a Roman and Medieval walking tour (£9 per adult and kids go free).
Coopers Beach Holiday Park offers direct beach access, plenty of sports courts and outdoor activities, and family restaurants with sea views.
Parkdean Resorts offer a four-night stay in a Bronze caravan which sleeps six from £99.
Pretty Pwllheli sits on the Lleyn Peninsula on the coast of North WalesCredit: GettyThe beaches of Pwllheli tend to be quieter than its upmarket neighbour AbersochCredit: Getty
Pwllheli, North Wales
While the holiday crowds flocks to nearby Abersoch, savvy travellers head to the bustling market town of Pwllheli to enjoy the same stunning shores for a fraction of the cost.
The town’s two massive beaches are perfect for bucket-and-spade days as a family, plus the nearby Plas Heli sailing centre offer sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding lessons.
It’s also a brilliant base for exploring the rest of the Llŷn Peninsula. For a historical afternoon out, an 18-minute drive leads to Criccieth Castle, where 13th-century ruins overlook Cardigan Bay.
Or to soak up the sights by foot, you can walk the coastal path to reach the art galleries and sheltered bay of Llanbedrog.
Plus if you’re really up for a hiking challenge, Snowdonia is only a 30-minute drive away.
With an indoor pool and water park, lazy river, four-lane waterslide and its own lake for pedalo hire, Hafan y Mor is the place to stay in Pwllheli.
You can book a four-night stay in a two-bed apartment at Hafan y Mor from just £79.
Filey has a beach that stretches for five miles and a rocky peninsula with plenty of wildlifeCredit: GettyWalk along the beach to the cliffs of Filey Brigg for some of the best sea viewsCredit: Getty
Filey, North Yorkshire
Sat between Scarborough and Bridlington, Filey is a charming seaside town where visiting feels like stepping back in time.
There’s a five-mile stretch of golden sands, perfect for setting up a spot to play beach games and build sandcastles.
You can spend a totally free afternoon exploring the dramatic Filey Brigg – a mile-long rocky peninsula built for birdwatching and spectacular sea views.
Or wander through the peaceful Glen Gardens, where you can visit the open air boating lake, burn off energy in the play park or set up a picnic on its scenic grounds.
When you fancy a change of pace, an 18-minute drive takes you to Scarborough, where you can enjoy a classic day out of spending loose change in the arcades or tackling the rides of Luna Park.
If you travel 22 minutes in the opposite direction it will take you to Bridlington, where Brid Spa hosts fantastic, family-friendly theatre productions. Head up further along the coast to Bempton Cliffs to spot adorable puffins.
Plus, Filey is significantly easier on the pocket than its busier neighbours, with top-tier holiday parks for affordable prices.
Hoseasons offer a 7-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan for just £125 at Blue Dolphin holiday park.
Bembridge on the Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s largest villagesCredit: GettyBembridge is also home to the last remaining windmill in the Isle of WightCredit: Alamy
Bembridge, Isle of Wight
If you want an Isle of Wight trip that feels more like a relaxing private getaway than a tourist trap, Bembridge is the place.
Skip the business of Sandown and head to this sprawling coastal gem. As one of England‘s largest villages, everything here is spaced out and relaxed, with plenty of room to wander without pushing through crowds.
You can spend a free morning visiting the historic Bembridge Windmill -the only windmill left on the island, dating back to 1700.
Or wander the dramatic 200-metre seaside pier, where the Lifeboat Station sits perched at the end overlooking the water.
When you want to explore further, less than 30 minutes’ drive south lands you in the trendy, hilly streets of Ventnor.
Charles Dickens once described the town as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad”, and it’s clear to see why. This artsy town has colourful buildings, beautiful botanical gardens and pebbled shores that zig-zag down to the seafront.
Or you could drive 10 minutes to Culver Down, for impressive chalk cliffs that offer a panoramic view of the English Channel.
Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom chalet at the perfectly-positioned Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park from £84.
Morecambe is close to busy Blackpool, but it has plenty of its own family attractionsCredit: GettyVisit nearby Lancaster Castle on a trip to Morecambe, just 15 minutes’ drive awayCredit: Alamy
Morecambe, Lancashire
With the bustle of Blackpool nearby, Morecambe offers a more relaxed, retro feel with five miles of promenade to stroll.
Kids will love Happy Mount Park, home to a soft play, adventure golf, a massive splash park, tennis courts and more – perfect for a family day out no matter the weather.
For something more unique, head to the Stone Jetty to find the Tern Project: an interactive art trail with bird-themed pavement games, mazes, and puzzles along the way.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a guided group (from £15) to trek across the famous sands of the Cross Bay Walks at low tide – just don’t try it alone!
Lancaster is a 15-minute drive away, where you can explore its hilltop medieval castle, while you can reach Blackpool for an exciting day out in 45 minutes.
Whether you explore the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or explore Madame Tussauds or the Blackpool Dungeons within the tower, you’re sure to have an action-packed day out – with a quieter change of scenery to return home to.
Parkdean Resorts offer a two-night stay in a two-bedroom silver caravan at Morecambe’s Ocean Edge from £99.
Wemyss Bay Station was rated 5 stars in Britain’s 100 Best Railway StationsCredit: AlamyCatch the Victorian ferry from Weymss Bay over to Rothesay on the Island of ButeCredit: Getty
Wemyss Bay, Scotland
While most tourists charge straight past to the inner isles, the charming village of Wemyss Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic Firth of Clyde landscapes.
To soak up the best of the local scenery, wander the coastal paths that look out over the isle of Bute. Walk down to the rocky shoreline at low tide to go beachcombing for sea glass – Wemyss Bay is a prime spot.
Or head to Kelly Burn to see the pretty woodland stream that marks the border between Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, leading you through lush greenery to hidden waterfalls.
Wemyss Bay Woods is also fantastic for nature walks, with a network of forest trails with mountain views.
Train enthusiasts will love visiting the award-winning Wemyss Bay Station, regularly hailed as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the UK thanks to its stunning glass canopy.
To explore further afield, you can hop on a ferry over to Rothesay to visit its castle and explore the isle (£8.70 adult return, kids £4.40).
And for the ideal indoor family attraction, 15 minutes by car or bus will take you to the traditional seaside town of Largs to visit the Vikingar! museum.
This interactive centre has a replica 8th century Viking house, character storytelling, an indoor swimming pool and more. Tickets cost £9.20 per adult and £6.30 per child.
The clifftop Wemyss Bay Holiday Park offers an affordable place to stay with striking views of the mountains across the water.
Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom Bronze caravan from £99.
Thornwick Bay Holiday Village is perfectly located for beach access in FlamboroughCredit: GettyThe sea arch at Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire Coast is known as the Drinking DinosaurCredit: Alamy
Flamborough, East Yorkshire
Flamborough is one of East Yorkshire’s most picturesque seaside spots, with some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal walks and views.
Head to this rugged peninsula to explore North Landing – a sheltered cove dotted with traditional fishing boats, where you can explore its caves for free.
Flamborough is also home to the Living Seas Centre, which puts on family-friendly events such as fossil hunts, boat trips and rockpool safaris.
You can also drive just six minutes to Sewerby Hall and Gardens, with woodland walks and beautiful walled and rose gardens. Entering the hall to see its stately rooms costs £4.50 per adult and £3.50 per child.
Head up to Thornwick Bay to find crystal clear waters protected by chalk cliffs, which open up dozens of fascinating rockpools at low tide.
But don’t just stick to the main beaches – head to Selwicks Bay at low tide to see the “Drinking Dinosaur” rock formation – a massive natural arch that’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo to remember your holiday.
Thornwick Bay Holiday Village is an unbeatable budget base, with activities ranging from water sports at the Boathouse to indoor arts and crafts at the Activity Barn.
Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan from £69.
You can reach Great Yarmouth from Hopton in just 15 minutes to visit popular Britannia PierCredit: AlamyHaven’s Hopton Holiday Village provides direct access to the beaches of Hopton-on-SeaCredit: Haven
Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk
If you want the golden sands of the Norfolk coast without the price tag of the posh towns like Burnham Market or Holkham, Hopton-on-Sea is your best bet.
Perched on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, this quiet village has a pristine beach that’s far less crowded than its noisy neighbours.
Here you’re perfectly placed between two major seaside resorts: Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
A 15-minute drive north takes you to Yarmouth for some old-school pier fun and theme park Pleasure Beach, whilst the same time driving south lands you in Lowestoft, with its award-winning Blue Flag beaches.
Plus Hopton itself is a beautiful village worth exploring. Take a walk along its scenic grass-topped cliffs, or wander down to the water for a quiet spot to sunbathe.
Hopton Holiday Village is a bargain holiday park with direct beach access, and you can have a four-night break for less than the cost of one night in a seaside hotel.
Haven offer a four-night stay in a bronze caravan sleeping up to six at Hopton Holiday Village from £89.
THERE was a time a while back when, whenever the gossip mags wrote about Jennifer Aniston, they’d always preface her name with ‘Sad’.
Sad Jen Aniston – it was like one of those three-part names like Sarah Jessica Parker or Sarah Michelle Gellar, and call me a cynic, but I’m convinced we haven’t seen the last of her.
Jennifer Aniston is apparently now planning to marry someone called Jim CurtisCredit: GettyJennifer and Jim have been dating since 2025, and the couple ‘believe they met in a past life’Credit: InstagramWellness coach Jim ‘has a distinct whiff of snake oil about him – or rather, of woo-woo’Credit: instagram/jimcurtis1
For someone who was allegedly one of the most desirable women on earth, this must have been extremely annoying, especially when a quick roll-call inevitably followed, ticking off the regiment of men it took to award Aniston, 57, her nickname; Brad Pitt, John Mayer and Justin Theroux, for starters.
But now she is apparently planning to marry someone called Jim Curtis who she has been dating since 2025; celeb-years are like dog-years when it comes to relationships, so this is like a decade for the rest of us.
He looks like one of those men who habitually whispers ‘Rock Star’ at his reflection every morning.
He appears to have the aw-shucks charm of Pitt, the narcissism of Mayer and the pretentiousness of Theroux – without apparently having the independently successful careers of all of these, having only come to public notice when Aniston fell for his charms.
To be fair, she has rarely looked lovelier, and Curtis, 50, is wolfishly handsome.
But ‘wellness coach’ Mr Curtis – who has reportedly encouraged Aniston to ‘look inward (unfortunate suggestions of a colonoscopy there) – has a distinct whiff of snake oil about him, or rather, of woo-woo.
As a friend says: “They’ve done intensive regression therapy together, and Jen and Jim believe they met in a past life.
“They feel their souls were destined to find each other again in this timeline to complete their journey. It’s all very woo-woo and spiritual, but it absolutely works for them.”
What is woo-woo? Boiled down to its sticky residue, it’s extreme silliness masquerading as spirituality.
Woo-woo is especially attractive to disappointed women of a certain age; crystals, Goddess workshops and having a shaman on Skype speed-dial.
Gong baths, forest baths, any bath that doesn’t feature water; meditation, mindfulness, manifestation, and ‘cacao ceremonies’ where menopausal women pay other menopausal women to make them a hot chocolate in a flask while they watch the sun rise; call it a cacao ceremony and pay a hundred quid for the privilege.
Past-life regression: a couple I knew told everyone they met that in a past life, and that the woman was apparently the husband’s mother in Ancient Rome.
Their ageing whippet was also with them in Rome, which explained why, at 8,000 years old, he sometimes struggled on his daily walk.
Curtis himself was ‘regressed’ on a television talk show as a youngster and discovered that he was a Native American who was murdered.
The Wonder Of You
It’s funny how regressions bring up such dramatic results – no one’s ever just a bank clerk bored with their daily commute.
Until she saw sense and started showing off what her mama gave her again on Traitors, the most flagrantly silly face of homeland woo-woo was probably Charlotte Church, who in 2022 turned her very big house in the country into a ‘wellness retreat’ complete with a shower which the singer described as akin to a ‘very large and unusual-shaped vagina’, and a ‘womb room’.
Brad Pitt with then-wife Jennifer Aniston poses at a film premiereCredit: GettyJennifer and Justin Theroux seen leaving a restaurant together in New York in 2017Credit: GettyAniston and John Mayer snapped at a Vanity Fair Dinner in West Hollywood in 2009Credit: AFP
According to planning documents, Church aimed to create ‘a system of non-hierarchical participatory democracy’ inside the property.
‘The Dreaming’ was due to open in 2022 – but was postponed due to a problem with too much sewage, which unkind souls might say is the overriding impression that one got from the whole daft enterprise.
But one can see why high-maintenance women might go for men like Mr Curtis.
After the parade of go-getting career-driven arch-narcissists Aniston has been left high and dry by, it might be refreshing to look into the limpid eyes of some smooth-talking guru who only wants to talk about The Wonder Of You.
The only Woo Woo I’ve got time for is this one: ‘Mix vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice, and garnish with a lime wedge’
On the other hand, knowing how prevalent stealth-narcissists are on the dodgy borderline where self-care meets self-advancement, there’s an equal chance that Dr Love is simply staring into your eyes in order to see his own reflection.
Falling for a snake-oil smoothie is the modern equivalent of those women who used to fall for vicars, and hang around making themselves useful in church in the hope that earthly love might eventually get a look-in.
Perhaps in a decade’s time, all this meditation, mindfulness and manifestation will be seen for what it is – old-fashioned eccentricity with a self-improving spin.
Personally, the only Woo Woo I’ve got time for is this one: ‘Mix vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice, and garnish with a lime wedge’.
Jen’s new man appears to have the aw-shucks charm of Pitt, the narcissism of Mayer and the pretentiousness of Theroux – without having their independently successful careersCredit: Instagram/Jennifer Aniston
WITH two singles in the top 20, a sold-out world tour, a recent album and a string of festival headline slots, Zara Larsson will be the soundtrack of the summer. And as teen girls clamour for tickets to the Swedish star’s upcoming gigs, she is determined to overthrow Taylor Swift as the ultimate pop princess….
JENNIFER ANISTON could be destined to marry her hypnotherapist boyfriend – as she is convinced they are soulmates who met in a past life, it is claimed.
Jennifer Aniston could be destined to marry hypnotherapist boyfriend and wellness guru Jim CurtisCredit: Instagram/Jennifer AnistonJen is convinced they are soulmates who met in a past lifeCredit: Getty
Sources claim the smitten couple have also had regression therapy, designed to open up old memories, and firmly believe they knew one another in a previous incarnation.
Now, they are keen to “complete their journey” by marrying in front of loved ones at a lowkey ceremony — possibly in Europe.
An insider said: “Jen is glowing. She feels like she has waited a lifetime to find a love this easy and in a way, she believes she has.
“They’ve done intensive regression therapy together, and Jen and Jim believe they met in a past life.
“They feel their souls were destined to find each other again in this timeline to complete their journey.
“It’s all very woo-woo and spiritual, but it absolutely works for them.”
“They’ve been discussing a small wedding away from the Hollywood circus, and Europe is top of the list.
“Jen does not like big crowds and would prefer an intimate ceremony with just a handful of their closest confidantes.”
The couple regularly split their time between Jen’s £15million Bel Air mansion in Los Angeles and her £12million Montecito retreat. But it appears they may be ready to move in together.
Jim has listed his £1.2million pad in Manhattan, and the pair are said to have been hunting for a luxury New York apartment.
They have been spotted looking at a block where prices start at £5million.
Jen is glowing. She feels like she has waited a lifetime to find a love this easy and in a way, she believes she has.
Insider
A source said: “They have been viewing apartments on the Upper East Side. This will be their first joint home.”
Jen and Jim have grown close amid their shared passion for spiritual healing.
But I am told they also bonded over their shared love of dogs.
The Friends star and Curtis are said to be so in love they have begun scouting locations for their weddingCredit: InstagramThe couple are said to have also bonded over their shared love of dogsCredit: InstagramOne of the wellness coach’s social media postsCredit: instagram/jimcurtis1
Jen’s fans will be delighted to see her so happy after previous devastating break-ups.
But they announced their split in 2018. Since then, the Morning Show star has kept her romantic life fiercely guarded, focusing on her career, rescue dogs and tight-knit circle of friends — until Jim walked into her life.
The master hypnotherapist, transformational coach and best-selling author built a career guiding clients through trauma and emotional recovery.
He has more than a million Instagram fans and posts daily affirmations. The pair were introduced through mutual friends in 2024. Jen was already a fan of his self-help literature and they clicked instantly, leading to clandestine dinner dates at their homes.
They have since been spotted on a romantic getaway at the exclusive Ventana Big Sur resort in Northern California and on a yacht in Majorca.
Written in stars
Instagram photos shared by Jen on Easter Sunday showed the couple embracing, and there was a snap of her with Friends co-star and pal Courteney Cox.
Jim has had a turbulent love life, too. In his book, The Stimulati Experience, he told of past struggles to “keep” a girlfriend and his divorce from his ex-wife.
According to one source, Jim was “Jen’s rock” as she was plagued by an alleged stalker who began bombarding her with messages and voicemails in 2023.
In 2025, the man crashed into the gates of her home while she was inside. He was later charged but was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial.
“Jim kept her grounded throughout what was a very traumatic and stressful time,” said one source.
They have been viewing apartments on the Upper East Side. This will be their first joint home
Source
Meanwhile, Jen has been uncharacteristically open about her deep admiration for Jim. Last November, on his 50th birthday, she shared a black and white photo of them on Instagram. On her wedding finger was a diamond ring, prompting speculation she was engaged. But her team refused to comment.
Shortly after, Jen told Elle magazine Jim was “quite extraordinary”, and “very special”.
Now, it seems that with a spiritual connection written in the stars — or perhaps a past life — Jen’s search for The One is finally over.
Jennifer’s reps were asked to comment.
Jim built a career guiding clients through trauma and emotional recoveryCredit: instagram/jimcurtis1He has over a million Instagram fans and posts daily affirmationsCredit: instagram/jimcurtis1A snap of Jennifer with Friends co-star and pal Courteney Cox on Easter SundayCredit: Instagram
WITH temperatures set to hit the mid-20s in parts of the UK this week – and it still being the Easter holidays – there couldn’t be a better time for a last-minute staycation.
Londoners can expect highs of 25C today, while those in Cardiff and Manchester will enjoy 21C.
There are a number of seaside towns perfect for visiting this weekCredit: Alamy
So with the weather being this good, the seaside is an ideal spot to soak up the sun.
Teignmouth in Devon sits on the South West Coast Path and is ideal for a family day outCredit: Alamy
Devon isn’t short of pretty seaside towns that are ideal for family days out and trips.
But when it comes to Teignmouth on the South West Coast Path, it has a charm that not many other places I have visited in Devon have.
The seafront has a wide promenade, ideal for a walk or for kids to whiz along on a scooter.
The long beach features Devon’s famous red sand due to its iron minerals.
Often the sea is too rough to swim in here, but it doesn’t matter as Teignmouth Lido – which recently announced it was going to close – has been saved and will reopen for the season.
While a date is yet to be announced, the lido usually opens in May.
Despite suffering storm damage in late January, it remains open – just the deck at the end is closed.
This means kids can still have fun in the arcades with the penny slot machines.
In the town, there are a few shops you can explore and plenty of cafes and bakeries to grab a bite to eat, too.
Make sure to head to Jane’s Ice Creams for a treat as well – their Turkish Delight ice cream is heavenly.
If you want to extend your visit to explore the surrounding areas, hop on the ferry to Shaldon, which is the oldest passenger ferry in England.
You could stay at Coast View Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to April 13, costing from £37.17 per person per night, based on a family of four sharing.
Southwold, Suffolk
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Southwold Pier is 190-metres-long and is filled with the classic 2p machinesCredit: AlamyFancy fish and chips? You’re spoiled for choice in SouthwoldCredit: Alamy
Of course, it has a huge stretch of beach, but it also has the classic arcades and activities, without being too lively.
The 190-metre-long pier stretches over the sea and is filled with the classic 2p machines, an ‘Under the Pier Show’, restaurants and little ice cream parlours.
On the other side of the pier is a boating lake where visitors can rent out a pedalo or rowing boats.
It also has an adventure golf course and a cosy tearoom which has lovely views across the lake.
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is stocking up on food and taking it for a beach picnic, which you can do at the lovely food stops in the high street, like The Black Olive Delicatessen or The Two Magpies Bakery.
Of course, a staple of the town is the Adnams Brewery, where you can buy some of its locally brewed beer – they even offer tours.
Then there’s the beach, which is lined with multi-coloured beach huts.
For fish and chips, you’re spoiled for choice with places like The Little Fish & Chip Shop and Mrs T’s Fish and Chips.
My favourite place, the Sole Bay Fish Company, is a five-minute drive away from the beach.
Pull up on the side of the road, grab your fish supper and then head out to watch the boats bobbing in and out of the harbour during sunset; it’s the perfect way to end the day.
A lot of availability for hotels in Southwold is booked up this week, but just down the road, you will find Boundary Farm, Suffolk.
You can stay from April 8 to 10 for £290 total, for a family of four in a safari tent – around £36.25 per person per night.
Boscastle, Cornwall
Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
Boscastle is a fishing village on the north coast of CornwallCredit: GettyWhen the tide is high, there’s nowhere better than Boscastle to go for a morning swimCredit: Getty
Cornwall has more than its fair share of picture-perfect seaside towns and villages, and Boscastle is up there with the very best.
The fishing village on the north coast of the county has a more rugged charm than those in the south, owing to the fact that it faces out into the Atlantic Ocean.
One hundred years ago, Boscastle was a busy fishing port, but today its dramatic, cliff-edged harbour is mainly used for small fishing boats and tourism.
When the tide is high, there’s nowhere better to go for a morning dip.
Then on the way back, it’s almost mandatory to pick up a coffee and a pastry from the Harbour Light cafe.
The cafe has a lovely spot next to the stream that leads out to sea, and is the perfect place to watch the world go by.
It’s also opposite the famous Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – home to one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft and magic, which is well worth a visit.
In that same riverside stretch is the renowned Rocket Store, a tiny seafood restaurant serving excellent dishes like grilled scallops in green chilli butter, torched seabass and grilled leeks in brown butter.
The combination of extremely welcoming staff and the size of the venue, makes it feel like you’re almost eating in someone’s home.
If you’re looking for something simpler, I recommend a pint in the garden of the Wellington Hotel, which has a really cool suntrap of a back garden.
It is a quintessential, charming Cornish fishing village, ideal for scenic walks, exploring local history, and experiencing a unique atmosphere on the north coast of Cornwall.
The YHA Boscastle is in a stunning location on the edge of the harbour, and it still has private rooms this week from just £80 a night that sleep up to six people – working out at a very reasonable £13 per person.
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
Wells-Next-The-Sea has two award-winning fish and chip shopsCredit: AlamyOn the beach, you’ll find colourful beach huts and rolling dunesCredit: Alamy
Raised in this postcard North Norfolk seaside town, I’ve had years to explore every nook and cranny.
So here’s all of the must-visit spots, with insider tips from a local.
The main buzz of the town is found on the quay, where you can easily spend an afternoon dipping into traditional sweet and souvenir shops and spending spare change in the amusements.
I recommend heading down to the East Quay with a bucket, crabbing line and diced bacon for a quiet spot to go gillying (Norfolk slang for crabbing) – a must-do when in Wells.
On the quay, Will’s of Wells is a trendy spot where you can enjoy an expertly-made flat white in a surf shack-style interior, while the Golden Fleece serves posh pub classics and local ales.
There are also two award-winning fish and chip shops here, just a few doors down from one another, French’s and Plattens, which have long divided locals with their rivalry.
Both offer seating with quay views where you can watch fishermen haul in their catches, but for me, Plattens takes the win with its crispy battered fish and soft golden chips.
Wells-next-the-Sea beach is worth the mile-long walk from the quay.
The raised coastal path offers views over the harbour, marshland and pinewoods, making your stroll down to the shore a scenic activity in itself.
Once you reach the end, you’re met with miles of sweeping golden sands, backed by rolling dunes and thick pine forests.
Colourful beach huts separate the forest from the sand, and if you fancy treating yourself on your beach trip, you can even rent one from £65 per day.
The rental comes with deckchairs, a windbreak, and, of course, shelter from the scorching sun or the odd blustery breeze.
They’re also handy for storing your belongings and have a comfy spot to sit in and watch the children play on the beach.
It’s perfectly placed just minutes from the beach, plus it’s close to the trendy beach cafe and watersports centre that offers kayaking and paddle-boarding.
A three-night stay from April 7 to 10 costs £174 for three people – that’s £14.50 per person per night.
Deal, Kent
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Deal in Kent is quickly becoming a foodie destination to rival LondonCredit: AlamyMake sure to hit up the shops with places like The Hoxton Store and 123 High StreetCredit: Alamy
The Kent coastline is hardly short of fantastic seaside towns, but one of the best spots for me is Deal.
It’s quickly becoming a foodie destination to rival London, with some insanely good places to eat after spending your day on the pebbly beach.
There is The Blue Pelican, with unique small plates as well as ramen on select days.
Make sure to head downstairs to the underground bar for a mean cocktail too.
Otherwise, there is Jenkins & Son Fishmongers that opens as a street food bar, where the juicy scallop and bacon roll is a must.
The pubs are just as fabulous – The King Head has live music and a front beer garden overlooking the beach, while The Port Arms does a rather unusual but very delicious Jamaican-style roast.
Outside of eating your way around town, hit up the shops with places like The Hoxton Store and 123 High Street, making sure you don’t leave without picking up a present or two.
Grab a drink at the recently renovated Le Pinardier wine bar or the established Deal Pier Kitchen, right at the end of the brutalist pier.
For a three-night stay from April 10 to 13, you could pay from just £17.42 per person per night (£209 total).
Whitby, Yorkshire
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Whitby is a north Yorkshire coastal gem, dominated by the clifftop gothic ruins of 13th-century Whitby AbbeyCredit: Alamy
If you love your classic UK beach break to come with a dose of the dramatic, then it has to be the seaside town of Whitby.
The north Yorkshire coastal gem is dominated by the clifftop gothic ruins of 13th-century Whitby Abbey, thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
It’s perfect for a spooky family game of hide and seek.
With clean, sandy beaches aplenty, the town’s West Cliff Beach is among the most popular, complete with colourful beach huts, safe waters and rock pools for crabbing.
Nearby Pier Street is your go-to for 2penny arcades, fish and chips and more.
Some more of our favourite UK seaside towns
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Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th-century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
For a hidden gem a little further afield, check out the Falling Foss Tea Garden, a magical destination in beautiful North York Moors woodland, complete with a tumbling 30ft waterfall.
The tea garden is in the heart of the forest, and you can enjoy a strong brew and homemade cakes while enjoying the magical surroundings.
You could camp at Whitby Holiday Park between April 9 and 11 for £122 for four people, which is just £15.25 per person per night.
THE Sun Travel team have holidayed all over the world, from cheap trips to UK seaside towns to no-expense-spared jaunts to far-flung tropical islands.
But there are a few special, and surprisingly affordable, places that really stand out – including life-changing holidays right here in Britain, and even bucket list trips abroad where you can get PAID to go there.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski dreamed of going to Disneyland ParisCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
From interrailing across Europe to backpacking down Australia’s East Coast, here are our top holiday destinations, and how you can recreate them…
Disneyland Paris
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
I’ll always remember the giddy look of excitement on my mum’s face when she said: “We’re almost there” on our trip to France in 2002, when I was 10 years old.
“We can’t be”, I’d thought, rubbing my eyes. But there it was – Mickey Mouse’s face plastered on a sign at the edge of the road.
My childhood dream of visiting Disneyland Paris was about to come true and Cinderella’s Castle looked even more spectacular than it had in friends’ pictures.
As we approached the main park’s entrance, a stall selling character backpacks caught my attention – Mum bought me one shaped like Eeyore from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh series.
I soared high above visitors on the Dumbo ride, bounced on the rope bridge near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and devoured ice cream while waiting for my brother and step dad to return from the “scary rides”.
I still feel that same sense of magic and nostalgia when I return to the park today, as an adult. It’s a magic that other theme parks can’t quite capture.
And it’s affordable. Disneyland Paris offer hotel and ticket packages for a three-night stay from £88pp, based on a family of two adults and two children.
Then Eurostar tickets from London direct to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (which is just a two minute walk to Disneyland Paris) start from around £62 each way.
Three night stays at a Disneyland hotel with park tickets included start from just £88ppCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Camp America: Santa Rosa, California
Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
My sister Emma-Rose and I are both massive fans of US pop culture – from its punk rock bands to its sitcoms… as well as its yellow school buses, fire hydrants, picket fences and mailboxes.
So it was only right that our first solo US adventure as young adults was the ultimate in Americana – 10 weeks at a summer camp and horse ranch in Santa Rosa, California.
Cloverleaf Ranch is a magical place. Think vast, green sports fields where we sprinted through sprinklers, breakfasts of pancakes with syrup, and bunk beds set up in colourful, old-fashioned trailers.
As Camp Counsellors, we taught groups of kids activities like archery, football and animal care. I soon bonded with my groups of four to five year-olds, herding them around camp like a mother duck, and collecting heartfelt drawings and letters which I still have today.
Evenings were spent singing songs and making s’mores by the campfire, taking sunset horse-riding trails, or playing camp-wide games like hide and seek.
My Camp America experience was the all-American adventure of a lifetime – and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to take a gap year or travel their twenties.
Simply set up an account at www.campamerica.co.uk, and once it’s approved, they’ll guide you through sponsorship, visas and camp placement.
Placements typically last between eight to 10 weeks, with camps looking to hire young people who have previously worked with kids or have specialist skills.
Signing up with Camp America costs £489. You also get paid for working at the summer camp, with rates varying between $1,000 – $2,150 (£745 – £1,600) based on your placement.
Jenna Stevens and her sister worked a summer in Santa Rosa with Camp AmericaCredit: Jenna StevensCloverleaf Ranch is one of 650+ US summer camps to choose from with Camp AmericaCredit: Jenna Stevens
San Francisco, USA
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
I’d dreamt of visiting San Francisco for many years but the cost always held me back, until I managed to find a way of doing it all for under £1,000.
I stayed at the Green Tortoise Hostel, which is centrally located in Downtown, as for four nights in a four-bed female dorm in June it costs just £138.88 per person – less than a hotel for one night.
And if you want privacy, hostels are a great compromise—a room with two bunk beds or a double bed costs £324.30 for four nights in June.
When it comes to things to see and do in the city, many activities are free—like visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and its visitor centre, walking down the winding Lombard Street, and wandering the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district with its vintage shops.
If you do spend money on a couple of things, make sure it is SFMOMA (£22.51) the modern art museum and heading to Alcatraz Island (£35.98).
The city often hosts free days too, so check these before heading there.
You can bag a cheap return flight to San Francisco from as little as on £437 on KAYAK.
Credit: Sean Pavone/GettyTravel Reporter Cyann Fielding took a bucket-list trip to San Francisco for under £1,000 all-inCredit: Cyann Fielding
Copenhagen, Denmark
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Denmark’s Copenhagen is the world’s happiest city that embraces an al fresco lifestyle with outdoor dining – even in winter.
It has outdoor lamps with heated blankets on seats, and warm drinks aplenty from spiced Gløgg – a type of mulled wine – to hot chocolate and tasty baked goods. Honestly, I was surprised at how much I loved it.
The city is so easily walkable and easy to navigate, it also has great shops and even its own theme park – Tivoli Gardens.
I loved the Botanical Gardens too which are completely free and beautiful whichever season you visit.
Nyhavn is a must-see, the bright district with tall colourful houses sits right on the waterfront where boat bars bob on the water.
Flights to Copenhagen can be as little as £14.99 each way with Ryanair, or if you want it all sorted for you, book a city break to Copenhagen with TUI.
A three-night stay at the stylish four-star Scandic Sydhavnen (with return flights included) starts from just £234pp.
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill visited Copenhagen, voted the happiest city in the worldCredit: Alice PenwillDanish pastries are a must-try on a visit to CopenhagenCredit: Alice Penwill
Tour of India
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
India has long been on my bucket list as a holiday destination, but was wary to explore it as a young woman by myself.
So one of the safest ways to do it is on a guided tour, and not only do Intrepid have a number of them, but they have a Women’s Expedition where you have a local female guide the entire way as well.
We ticked off all of the famous stops such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, as well a exploring the pink city of Jaipur.
But we also managed to explore local places you wouldn’t just stumble upon without knowing someone.
We stayed in Chandelao Garh, a tiny boutique hotel in a small village where we learned about the art of henna and rangoli, between dips in the pool.
We even managed to enjoy some delicious street food without getting sick, thanks to our amazing guide knowing all the safe spots.
Being able to see a country I had wanted to in years, with a mix of tourist attractions and little known areas, while staying safe? It’s one I’ll be talking about for years to come.
Intrepid’s 13-day Women’s Expedition of India starts from £904pp. You can also lock in a trip with just a £1 deposit!
The trip starts and ends in Delhi. Skyscanner offers return fares from just £270.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey took a guided tour of India with IntrepidCredit: Kara GodfreyTake a bucket list trip to India to tick off world-famous sights like the Red Fort in DelhiCredit: Alamy
The Devon and Cornwall coast
Caroline McGuire, Head Of Travel (Digital)
I love Cornwall and try to visit every summer, and one of my favourite holidays of all time was when I toured the coastline from Ilfracombe to Salcombe in a VW campervan.
My guide for the week was travel writer Daniel Start, in the form of his West Country ‘Wild Guide’ book – which details all of the hidden beaches, rural gems and pubs that are worth visiting in that corner of Britain.
I visited more than 20 beaches in a week and was stunned at the beauty of the English coast, which can be just as exotic as Ibiza or the Maldives and just as rugged as northern Scotland.
Of course, Cornwall and Devon isn’t just about the coast. They also have fantastic local cuisine and we dined on Cornish pasties, local cider, clotted cream ice cream, huge portions of fish and chips, and crab sandwiches.
Both Cornwall and Devon are famous for their big-name beaches, but my favourites were dotted among the more remote areas, like Porthcurno beach near Lands’ End.
There are scores of campsites along their coast, and Pitch Up has some of the coolest ones. For example, you could camp at Trevella Holiday Park in Newquay from just £12pn.
To find out more about Daniel Start’s Wild Guidebooks, clickhere.
Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula in CornwallCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoThe Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire on her dream campervan trip around the Devon and Cornwall coast
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
An African safari holiday has been on my bucket list ever since I first watched The Lion King (disclaimer: the film was actually inspired by the landscapes of Kenya in East Africa).
This year, I was finally able to tick it off with an adventure through Kruger National Park.
I’d been heavily researching all the dos and don’ts and was fully prepared to see nothing more exciting than a few fascinating birds and maybe the odd elephant (they’re easy to spot in these parts).
We saw the Big Five in less than 24 hours, however – even the elusive leopard, skulking through the long grass.
This was mainly due to the expertise of our guides, which emphasises the importance of picking the right lodge or accommodation for your trip.
Skukuza is a wildlife rich area within the park, so staying in and around this region increases your chances.
Two guides are better than one on game drives, I quickly learned, so pick your lodge accordingly.
I wrote down all of my top safari tips here that are well worth a read before you head off.
British Airways flies from Heathrow to Johannesburg from £598pp return.
Two-person tents at Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp start from about £422pp per night, with a minimum stay of two nights, including all meals, walking safaris and game drives.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski saw the big five in a day on her trip to KrugerCredit: Sophie SwietochowskiYou can fly to Johannesburg from London with British Airways from £598pp returnCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Orlando, Florida
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
My kids have been lucky enough to visit Orlando’s theme parks as youngsters, falling in love with Disney characters and Universal’s thrill rides.
But it was the holiday we took to the Sunshine State when they’d all grown up that stands out as one of the best of my life.
With my youngest son Ben turning 21, we booked a mega villa in Kissimmee complete with outdoor pool, games room and cinema snug for a very different look at the family-friendly destination.
Of course, we couldn’t miss out on the theme park fun but with everyone older, it was the terrifying chills of Universal’s Halloween Horror Night that had them screaming.
Eldest Sophie is a horror movie fan and loved every one of the haunted houses.
But with the kids having very different priorities now, there were just as many amazing memories made as middle child and family shopaholic Abbi insisted we fit in some retail therapy at the many malls.
And as well as the park fun, we took time as a family to explore the other side of Orlando, heading to Winter Park, the historic heart of the area on the shores of Lake Osceola for a scenic boat tour followed by a slap up lunch with lashings of craft beers at The Ravenous Pig gastro pub.
We flew out with Virgin Atlantic, who fly daily from Heathrow and Manchester to Orlando. But a top tip for saving is to look at fares to Tampa, around an hour from the theme park capital and often cheaper, with return deals from £516.
Jeeves Florida Rentals has a huge range of villas in Kissimmee with prices from £112 per night.
Sun Head of Travel Lisa Minot has visited Universal’s Super Nintendo WorldCredit: Lisa MinotLisa returned to Orlando with her family for her son’s 21st birthday, and visited the theme parksCredit: Supplied
Australia’s East Coast
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
In 2015, the year I graduated from university, I hatched a plan with my best friends Jade and Megan to backpack along Australia’s east coast.
We kicked things off in Melbourne with a festival on the beach before hiring a car to travel a patch of the Great Ocean Road, eyes peeled to spot koalas in the trees above.
We then travelled along the coast via the Greyhound bus, stopping at Sydney, Byron Bay and the city of Brisbane, where we drank in hostels, our hair windswept and salty from long days on the beach.
Then it was onto the Whitsundays, a stunning archipelago of 74 islands with the brightest white sands and bluest waters I’ve ever seen (they beat the Caribbean, hands down), then on to Magnetic Island to skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and driving around in Barbie-style cars.
Sydney was our hub and I returned here to do a stint of work as a receptionist (thanks to the Working Holiday visa) before our final adventure in Bali.
I returned home after six incredible months, but Jade fell so in love with the climate and lazy, wine-fuelled beach afternoons that she’s been there ever since, now married to an Aussie.
Qantas flies from Heathrow to Sydney from £1,130pp return. East coast passes for the Greyhound bus start from $319pp (£168pp) for seven days to $519pp (£276pp) for 60 days.
Those aged 18-35 can apply for a Working Holiday visa that allows them to travel and work for up to 12 months on the Australian Government website.
Rent a Barbie-pink car and live out the Australian summer dream travelling the East CoastCredit: Sophie SwietochowskiAssistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski ticked off skydiving on her bucket list tripCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Road tripping through the Deep South
Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital
I’ve visited everywhere from Vegas to Texas and Florida to California… but my favourite US holiday has to be a family road trip I took with my mum and sister through the Deep South.
We started out in New Orleans, then headed to Memphis and ended up in Nashville.
In New Orleans, we dined on beignets, Po-boys (a traditional Louisiana sandwich) and the best Bloody Marys I’ve ever drunk, then soaked up the architecture and fascinating history during the day.
At night, we made our way between New Orleans best-know jazz clubs – from Fritzel’s to Preservation Hall.
From there, we drove to Memphis – home of the blues and the birthplace of rock n’roll.
We dined on famous Memphis barbeque food and then went out every evening to listen to live blue music.
Last stop on our journey was Nashville – home of country music.
We spent our daylight hours visiting some of the famous Nashville institutions, like the Country Music Hall Of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium.
After fuelling up on hot chicken, we then spent our nights watching live country – both at the famous Bluebird Cafe and then at a small venue on the outskirts of town, where we paid $8 to see a bluegrass band perform at their album launch.
Ten years and many, many work adventures later, the road trip remains in my top three holidays of all time.
If you’re looking to do similar, I highly recommend booking through Dial A Flight – they sorted out our flights, car hire and much of the accommodation, getting us a big discount on each.
The Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, with her sister at Sun Studios in Memphis
Eilean Shona, Scotland
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
For a bucketlist trip without the ned for a passport, try Eilean Shona in the Inner Hebrides which inspired J.M. Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.
You can make your journey to the island part of your experience and holiday as well, by hopping on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston costing from £50 for a seat or £190 for a room, one way.
Once you reach Fort William, your best bet is to hire a car, which costs about £30 a day.
Eilean Shona is then an hour and 20-minute drive away. You can park in a small car park there before catching the small passenger ferry across to the island.
Because the island is privately owned (by Sir Richard Branson‘s sister) you must stay on the island to visit.
A range of cottages and huts are available, costing from £53.58 per person, per night. There are plenty of cheap cottage options available on airbnb.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding took a visit to the tidal island in the Inner HebridesCredit: Cyann FieldingThe island of Eilean Shona was meant to have inspired Peter Pan’s NeverlandCredit: GoodCompany/Konrad Borkowski
IT was like a scene straight out of a rom com when Ryan Thomas popped the question to Lucy Mecklenburgh in Positano, Italy, back in June 2019, less than two years after they started dating – and it seemed like the pair would waste no time throwing a huge celeb wedding.
But almost seven years later, the pair haven’t got anywhere close to an altar, and insiders are now telling The Sun they claim to know the real reason their plans to tie the knot appear to be permanently on ice.
Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas got engaged back in June 2019 less than two years after they started datingCredit: InstagramTelly stars Ryan and Lucy fell in love as they took on Channel 4’s Celebrity Island with Bear GryllsCredit: Channel 4The loved up couple threw a huge engagement party with their family, friends and celeb pals in attendanceCredit: InstagramCorrie star Ryan and TOWIE legend Lucy share two children – Lilah, four and Roman, sixCredit: Instagram
Initially, the official line from the couple- who fell in love in 2017 while filming Channel 4 show Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls – was that their nuptials were delayed due to life getting in the way.
After all, the year after they got engaged, the world shut down due to the Covid pandemic, forcing millions across the globe to shelve their weddings.
The pair also went on to have two kids in quick succession – Roman was born in March 2020, and Lilah arrived in the world in May 2022 – so it was understandable that planning their big day took a backseat.
In 2021, Lucy admitted to OK! Magazine that her wedding plans were “on the backburner”, while she also told fans via her instagram stories that she was “still in the engagement bubble but I can’t wait to start planning.”
However, with Roman now six and Lilah turning four next month, any talk of becoming man and wife appears to have gone silent.
In fact, sources tell us the couple are perfectly happy being ‘perma-engaged’ and raising their little family rather than being legally bound to each other.
And the reason the nuptials are now unlikely to happen? Well, one insider alleges the delay is down to Lucy’s desire to remain financially independent after Ryan’s previous struggles with money.
In 2013, before the pair met, Ryan was declared bankrupt – despite earning £100,000 a year on Coronation Street at the time.
He spiralled into debt over an unpaid £40,000 tax bill, and while his bankruptcy is now over, it still casts a shadow in his life.
Just last year, The Sun revealed his company R James Thomas Ltd, which takes in cash from his TV and endorsement work, had just £1 in its accounts.
Last year revealed Ryan’s company R James Thomas Ltd had just £1 in its accountsCredit: ArchiveLucy owns a wellness business, RWL, which is UK’s leading at home health and fitness appCredit: Instagram
Annual accounts filed to Companies House show just a solitary quid in the company account for the 12 months to the end of January 2025.
At the time, the books also revealed he owed more than £30,000 of a Covid Bounce Back Loan.
Our source explains: “Lucy comes from money – her dad Paul is very wealthy and has an extensive property portfolio, so she and her two sisters will inherit a lot from him one day. Lucy listens to everything her father says, and she has always been very financially literate.
“She was raised to understand money and be very careful with it, and as soon as she started making money from Towie, her dad taught her to make careful investments.
“Ryan, on the other hand, has admitted to making a lot of mistakes with money and not being financially savvy in the past. As much as Lucy loves him, it wouldn’t be entirely sensible for her to legally bind her finances in with Ryan’s, which would be the case if they were man and wife.
“Of course they share some money, and they have property together, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Lucy has been advised to protect her interests – especially her wellness business RWL, which she has worked her backside off to make the UK’s leading at home health and fitness app.
“Ryan has worked to claw himself back from his previous money woes, and she is really proud of him, but if he ever got into difficulties again, it could affect her credit rating and have big implications for her own finances if they were married.”
In the UK, while bankruptcy is generally wiped from your credit reports after six years, certain bankruptcy restrictions can last up to 15 years.
Furthermore, if an application asks for your full financial history, the bankruptcy must be disclosed, regardless of how long ago it happened.
Despite Ryan’s previous woes, however, another source close to the situation insists the reason Lucy hasn’t wed Ryan has nothing to do with safeguarding her own assets.
Ryan also has a daughter (first on the right) – singer Scarlett, 17, who he shares with his ex-girlfriend Tina O’BrienCredit: Instagram
Counters a pal: “It’s not true that Lucy doesn’t want to legally merge her finances with Ryan. The reasons they haven’t got married are because they are both parents of two young kids, have busy careers and also weddings are extortionate. It just hasn’t been a priority for them, they are happy as they are.”
Indeed, a Mecklenburgh- Thomas wedding certainly wouldn’t come cheap. The pair have large families, an array of celebrity friends and aren’t the types to do a no-frills affair in a register office followed by drinks down the local boozer.
“To do something on the scale they want would take a lot of cash, and Lucy and Ryan want to pay for a lot of it themselves. Yes, Lucy’s dad’s very wealthy but Ryan is also a proud man and doesn’t want handouts. He’s worked hard to turn his financial situation around, but he wants to give Lucy the wedding of her dreams and that takes years of hard graft to save for.
“Ultmately, there is no rush either. Neither of them feel the pressure to get hitched. They’re fully committed to each other and really happy – a big fancy wedding is nice but it’s not the priority right now. It will happen one day, and when it does it will be incredible and a day they will never forget.”
And even though Ryan is no longer in the red, other high profile members of his family have also experienced financial difficulties
Scott’s health and fitness company Food 4 Thoughts collapsed in 2024, which saw Scott lose £75k of his own money while brother Adam lost his £125k investment.
Aside from this, Adam’s own Manchester restaurant The Spinn went into liquidation that same year, owing £300,000.
Our insider explains: “The Thomas boys have all made mistakes in business which have cost them a lot of money. They have big dreams and have invested in each other’s brands, but this has come with financial ramifications.
Our insider continues: “Ultimately, Ryan and Lucy are strong and don’t need money issues coming between them, it’s a stress their relationship doesn’t need.
“Ryan is totally happy too. He is a proud man, so wouldn’t push the issue, but he knows Lucy is fully committed to him and they are happy as they are. As time has gone on, they have realised that being committed to each other is about sharing a home and a family, not a big wedding.
“Like a lot of men, Ryan isn’t overly fussed about a big day anyway. To him, what’s important is having a strong relationship, and that’s what he and Lucy have. He doesn’t care about blowing a load of money on a big wedding either, that seems like a waste of cash to him.”
A source told The Sun they ‘wouldn’t be surprised if Lucy was advised to protect her interests’ after Ryan’s money woesCredit: RexLucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan are said to be happy where they are in their relationship and don’t need to get married right awayCredit: InstagramRyan and his brother’s Adam and Scott have all felt the sting of their businesses going belly upCredit: ITV
THE SUN’S £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt, Tracey Kennedy has tried and tested holiday parks across the UK for over 30 years.
Over her decades of staycations, Tracy’s ticked off popular holiday spots from the Isle of Wight, to North Wales, down to Land’s End in Cornwall.
Tracy Kennedy has been taking her family away on budget-friendly staycations for 30 yearsCredit: Tracy Kennedy
It’s fair to say that Tracy knows her stuff when it comes to UK holiday parks – whether it’s how to bag a bargain break, or find the best free and cheap family attractions whilst you’re away.
Over three decades of staying at holiday parks up and down the UK, Tracy has ranked her top five holiday parks based on accommodation, entertainment and location.
Plus she’s sharing all of the hacks she uses to save while she’s away.
We’ve paired each park with the cheapest deal available online, including three-night breaks for two for under £50.
5. Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village
“This holiday park is in a lovely seaside town in Somerset, and I like it so much that I’ve been back several times.
“My tip for booking a Haven holiday would be to book a Haven Hideaway package.
“These are the cheapest breaks possible, and can cost just £49pp. I paid just £120 for a full week away on a Haven Hideaway.
“However it’s worth noting that Hideaway holidays don’t come with a Play Pass as the standard breaks do, so make sure to check which activities are included at each Haven park, and which you would have to pay extra for”.
Entertainment and activities
“There’s plenty to do here without paying extra for the add-on activities. This site has a lovely arcade, which is cashless apart from the classic 2p machines.
“I wasn’t too keen on it being cashless at first, but once you’ve got your card and have topped it up with as much or little as you want, it’s easy to use.
“As for the evening entertainment, I went last year and it was really quite good. The comedy is especially great.
“With Haven parks, if you make sure to download the app, about 2 weeks before it’ll tell you which activities you can book if you have the Play Passes.
“But you dont need passes for the arcade or evening entertainment, it’s just for swimming and paid activities. They can be nice to have, but you don’t have to get them”.
Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village has an outdoor pool and caravans looking out to seaCredit: HavenKids will love the indoor splash park and water slide at Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday VillageCredit: Haven
Accommodation
“I stayed in a saver caravan, which is the lowest grade, but it still has heating and everything you need.
“I always go for the cheapest I can but that is still nice, and the saver option here is great if you’re looking to stay on a budget“.
Local area
“Burnham is a quiet town, so it can be quite a peaceful place to stay. There’s also a lovely beach and lighthouse in walking distance from the park, as well as a cinema. But mainly this is a great base for exploring.
“Brean is about a 10-minute drive away, and there’s loads to do there. Brean Beach is gorgeous, plus there’s a splash park, Brean Theme Park and an animal farm, so there’s loads to do.
“You’ve also got Cheddar Gorge a half-hour drive away. You can of course try loads of cheese, but there’s really fascinating caves and clifftop walks there, too.
“If you’re willing to drive a bit further, about 40 minutes, you can also visit Wells. There’s loads of medieval historic sites there, like Wells Cathedral as well as the Palace and gardens”.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing. This deal also comes with a low-deposit option from £30.
Haven Burnham-on-Sea is only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Brean DownCredit: GettyTake a day trip from Burnham to Cheddar Gorge, just a 30-minute drive awayCredit: Getty
4. Riverside Holiday Village, Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare
“I went to this holiday park last year for my 50th, and had such a fantastic time. I have lots of memories coming here with parents, and now I get to bring my kids!
“One of the best things about this park is where it’s located. It’s less than 10 minutes from Weston-super-Mare‘s seafront”.
Entertainment and activities
“This is quite a small site, but it does have a good arcade, restaurant, and entertainment performances.
“There’s no costume characters for the kids, but if you visit in peak season, there’s a pretty packed activity schedule that keeps them busy.
“It’s a very relaxing site if you prefer a peaceful holiday. There’s a beautiful lake to walk around, and you can pop out into Weston whenever you’d like”.
Accommodation
“We stayed in a large Gold caravan, which doesn’t work out to be too expensive once you split the cost between a group of people.
“We paid £650 total, and the Gold caravans can sleep up to six people, so that works out at around £109pp – which isn’t bad at all for a full seven days during the summer holidays.
“We had wrap-around decking which is lovely to sit on and enjoy your coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.
“I recommend going as a large group and splitting costs so you can try out the nicer accommodation. This is one of the parks where I’d say it’s worth it”.
Riverside Holiday Village is a peaceful escape in the countryside town of BleadonCredit: TripAdvisorIt’s only an 11-minute drive from Bleadon into Weston Super Mare, where there’s an exciting pierCredit: Alamy
Local area
“The surrounding area, Bleadon, is very quiet. There’s just a couple of cosy pubs.
“But if you want a proper day out, then you should drive or catch the bus into Weston-super-Mare itself.
“There’s loads of things to do in Weston. If you want to stick to free things to do, Weston Museum is a great one and has activities for kids.
“Visiting the Grand Pier is a full day out itself – there is a small charge of £2, which is the same for both adults and kids.
“There’s lots of cost-friendly places to eat on the pier, like chip shops, a Costa and a Tiffany’s.
“My favourite though is Revo Kitchen. It’s inside the old Sea Life centre and it has 360-degree views of the sea. It’s dog-friendly, and does amazing, family-friendly food.
“It’s easy to spend the whole day at just the pier. There’s a ball pit, arcade games, fun house, ghost train – loads to do.
“Obviously it can be costly, but there are great-value wristbands available for kids to go on unlimited rides.”
“The Little Kids wristband, with unlimited rides suitable for younger children, costs £15 and lasts all day. The Big Kids wristband costs £20.
“There is also an Ultimate wristband available for £30, which includes unlimited rounds of golf and go-kart races.
“You don’t have to pay the entry fee cost of £2 for those with wristbands. You can buy the wristbands for the Grand Pier ahead of time online“.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Riverside Holiday Village in a Purn Gold WF caravan from £169, based on two adults sharing. This deal also offers a low deposit option of £25.
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan at Martin Mere Holiday Village from £49Credit: TripAdvisorMartin Mere Holiday Village is a 10-minute drive into the popular seaside resort of BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
3. Martin Mere Holiday Village, Blackpool
“This park is around 10 minutes’ drive into Blackpool, and there is so much to do there for families.
“They have also just had a major upgrade, with a brand-new restaurant, a refreshed Show Bar, and an expanded arcade added”.
Entertainment and activities
“It’s all about the entertainment with Haven. And the best part is that most of it is free.
“There’s an outdoor pool and lazy river, and you can book inflatables for your little ones to use.
“They’ve got plenty of fun things for families with kids like a climbing wall and a giant football dartboard.
“You’ve also got Linked Bingo at 5:15pm every evening, which sometimes has massive cash prizes.
“They’re also adding four new kids shows ready for summer this year”.
Accommodation
“The caravans are spacious, clean and have everything you need. Even the saver caravans are tremendous value for what you get.
“What I like about the accommodation here is that most caravans are only a short walk to the entertainment, which is great if you stay up late”.
You could visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with its brand-new ride Aviktas set to open this MayCredit: SuppliedHaven Martin Mere has an outdoor splash park that can be enjoyed in the warmer monthsCredit: Refer to source
Local area
“There is absolutely loads to do in Blackpool. You can even see the tower flashing its lights at night from the park.
“Blackpool can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but I’ve been going for years and found some good ways to save money.
“One of the best-value places to go is Coral Island Arcade, which has a restaurant where kids eat free.
“Once you’re at Coral Island, make sure to pick up any free leaflets that are there. They often have vouchers inside for discounted attractions.
“We picked one up and got a free go on the camel derby – so always look out for leaflets before you book something!
“Some of my other favourite things to do are going up into the tower, where there’s an arcade, the dungeons and a circus inside the tower itself.
“Then of course you’ve got Pleasure Beach – but if you know you want to go, book ahead of time online.
“That way you can pay £30 for entry rather than £60 on the day.
“If you’re wanting to save money on ticking off the paid attractions, there’s a new card where you can do them all for a fixed price called The Blackpool Pass.”
“The Blackpool Pass starts from £35 and includes unlimited entry to eight Blackpool attractions: Madame Tussauds,SEA LIFE,Blackpool Tower Ballroom,Blackpool Tower Eye,Blackpool Tower Dungeon,Blackpool Tower Circus,Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse and Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play.
“You can expect to save up to 70 per cent on attractions compared to booking individually.”
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing.
This deal also comes with a low-deposit option of £30.
A Platinum caravan at Lyons Robin Hood is a spacious option that comes with a balconyCredit: TripAdvisor
2. Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales
“This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments set to be fully done in May 2026, ready for your summer holiday!
“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food – I always really look forward to the food when holidaying here!”
Entertainment and activities
“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.
“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.
“Ilast went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too.
“The costume characters come out to meet the kids – all the info on who is coming out when is listed on the wall, so you can meet the characters, comedians and singers.”
Accommodation
“The standard caravans here are slightly different to other holiday parks, for example like at a Haven resort.
“Their highest-ranking option is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.
“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.
“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money!
“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good! Food here is also really good value for money”.
Tracy recommends a sightseeing bus trip from Rhyl to LlandudnoCredit: AlamyTracy Kennedy continues to return to Lyons Robin Hood as one of her top-rated parksCredit: Supplied
Local area
“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park, just remember to bring some snacks, as there’s no cafe or shop to buy food.
“You might see seals here – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.
“You can see them bobbing around in the sea, it’s nice to see them out in the open compared to an aquarium.
“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a little train that takes you around.
“Lots of people go crabbing, too…we caught some massive ones!
“A trip into Rhyl could be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.
“The only thing you would have to pay extra for if you wanted to would be the train, which costs £4 per adult and £3 per child.”
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Lyons Robin Hood in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £111.30, based on two adults sharing.
Lyons Robin Hood is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.
Lower Hyde has entertainment for families ranging from pool time to discos to magic actsCredit: Lower Hyde Holiday ParkLower Hyde in the Isle of Wight came out on top for Tracy’s pick of the best UK holiday parksCredit: TripAdvisor
1. Lower Hyde, Isle of Wight
“The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite.
“I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it. I like everything about the park.
“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there.
“There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.
“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse,plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.
“They’ve just hada new outdoor bar open up, too.”
Entertainment and activities
“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.
“I like the archery in the daytime, plus there’s a great pool to make use of, too.
“I watched some brilliant entertainment there last year.
“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show.
“Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.
“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.
“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.”
Accommodation
“I’ve stayed in both chalets and caravans, and the caravans are top-notch, very cosy and warm.
“The accommodation is in a really nice quiet area. There is a little bit of a hill walking down, so do let the site know if that’s an issue if you plan to visit”.
Accommodation in Lower Hyde is set in pretty woodland close to the beachCredit: Refer to sourceYou could visit the old village of Shanklin and stop by the Old Thatch Teashop for afternoon teaCredit: Getty
Local area
“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.
“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.
“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).
“There’s also Shanklin Chine, a wooded coastal ravine that is the oldest attraction on the island.
“If you wanted to visit, then you can loop right down to the beach afterwards and make your way back up – that’s the perfect day out.
“Some of my favourite things to do in the area are keep an eye out for red squirrels on nature walks, and go stargazing at night – the Isle of Wight has clear skies where you can see the stars”.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Parkdean Lower Hyde in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £99, based on two adults sharing.
Parkdean Lower Hyde is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.
How Tracy saves extra on her holidays
As ouur Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt, Tracy Kennedy has several tips and tricks up her sleeve when it comes to saving money on your staycations.
Here is exactly what Tracy does to prepare ahead of time and save on her holidays, as well as her top tips for saving whilst you’re away.
She told us: “One of the most cost effective things you can do is cook your own meals.
“I’d make a note of some easy, cost-effective meals that are quick to make so you can get it done and get out and enjoy your holiday.
“I like to pack an essentials box of non-perishable food bits with me, like packets of rice, pasta, and tinned food – just make sure you don’t forget to bring a tin opener, too.
“I also bring a small amount of washing up liquid and cleaning products in little travel bottles so we don’t have to buy full-sized ones. This really helps with the shopping, especially if you’re on a budget.
“Then when you do go shopping, all you have to do is buy the fresh stuff like bread, milk and butter.
“I like to slowly buy bits to add to my box in the months before my holiday, as it spreads the cost out and saves you spending too much in the expensive on-site supermarkets when you arrive.
Tracy and her daughter Chloe enjoy packing up a picnic and visiting local historic attractionsCredit: Tracy Kennedy
“Once you’re prepared with food and cleaning supplies, it’s time to start thinking ahead on how to save on attractions.
“Before I go anywhere, I make sure to Google everything there is to do nearby. Especially for days out. See if there are any two for one ticket offers at local attractions, or even places that are free to visit.
“Especially during holidays like Easter, as nearby attractions will often have free events for kids like Easter egg hunts.
“When I visited Prestatyn in North Wales, I did my research ahead of time and found free pottery classes for kids, so we spent an afternoon doing that.
“Also check the National Trust website as well as English Heritage, because sometimes they offer free days out, too. Also check Sun Superdays and Sun Club offers, too!
“If you’re staying at a seaside resort, you can easily spend an entire day out on the coast for free. Check which dates you are there have good weather, and plan to pack a picnic, walk along the promenade, go for a swim.
“Sometimes there will be free children’s Punch and Judy shows, or local festivals – always Google the area and search on local Facebook groups in case there are events whilst you’re there.
“If you’re going as a couple or friends, it can be nice to explore local towns with cheap public transport.
My friend and I visited Lyons Robin Hood last year, and planned to go to Llandudno.
“We bought a £6.50 day saver ticket, jumped on a bus with Llandudno as the final stop and sat on the top deck at the front, and the views we had were absolutely amazing.”
Visit Newquay in Cornwall for a free day out of beautiful beaches and scenic filming locationsCredit: Alamy
“You can get family saver tickets too if there are more of you, then you can go out for the day, get a great view of the local towns and all you have to buy is the bus ticket. It’s a nice, cheap day out for all of the family.
“Similarly, I planned a cheap day out at the coast a few years ago in Newquay, Cornwall.
“We visited all the local beaches, walked to Lands End, and I planned a walk past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made.
“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.
Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!
“Definitely research the area before you go to see if any movies or TV shows were filmed there”.
Read more of our Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt’s holiday park tips
Tracy Kennedy is our Hols from £9.50 Agony Aunt, and has plenty more tips and advice when it comes to UK holiday parks…
COLEEN ROONEY will mark her 40th birthday today with a series of celebrations at her £20million Cheshire mansion.
But the hundreds of bottles of champers on ice this weekend are far from the only corks she will be popping this year.
Coleen, above at the National Television Awards last year, will mark her 40th birthday with a series of celebrations at her £20million mansion in CheshireCredit: GettyMum-of-four Coleen with former Man Utd superstar Wayne and kids Klay, Cass, Kit and KaiCredit: Instagram
Mum-of-four Coleen — wife of former Manchester United superstar Wayne — has big plans in the pipeline — with one pal telling The Sun: “She’s entering her powerful era.”
One friend explained: “Coleen’s sons are growing up fast and she is excited about the opportunities coming her way.
For a long time her primary focus was being a mum to her four boys. She is the backbone of their household, a constant for her sons and for Wayne.
“But now they’re growing up — the boys somewhat more than Wayne at times — Coleen is ready to reclaim some of herself.
“Going into I’m A Celebrity was a great way for her to dip her toe into the water. She loved it and it was obvious the nation still has a massive soft spot for her.
“Coleen said she would take a break after that to work out her next move.
“Turning 40 and with loads of exciting things coming her way, she’s entering this powerful new era.”
Coleen will celebrate today with Wayne and their sons, budding Man Utd footballer Kai, 16, Klay, 12, Kit, ten, and eight-year-old Cass.
She will then throw a huge bash for her closest friends and family.
An enormous white marquee has been erected in the 50-acre grounds of their home, previously dubbed “Morrisons mansion” because of its vast size and appearance.
“I’m looking forward to it, I love a birthday and a celebration,” Coleen said ahead of her bash.
“I have decided to enjoy a couple of different celebrations with family and friends over the year, and with my birthday falling over Easter weekend, some friends are away — so any opportunity to extend the celebrations…”
Caterers and staff will keep the party running smoothly, with insiders saying no expense has been spared.
“Coleen loves a good knees-up,” another pal explained.
“She can afford a lovely lifestyle and everything at the party will be classy and beautifully done. But for her, plenty of booze, good music and her family is all she will want.
There’s going to be live music and you can guarantee Wayne will be getting up on the microphone
Pal
“There’s going to be live music and you can guarantee Wayne will be getting up on the microphone.
“He loves to sing and will be keen to give everyone a tune or two.”
Those close to Coleen say eyes will be kept on Wayne following a rather embarrassing boozy night out before the Brit Awards in February.
Photographs and videos from a posh bar in Manchester obtained by The Sun showed Wayne struggling to do up his trousers after he spent time chatting with a mystery woman.
He was later seen leaving the venue at 3.45am and getting into a car alone to head home.
At the time, pals close to Coleen said they were furious at his behaviour, which came in the same week Coleen was launching her Primark clothing collection.
Coleen is now said to have big plans in the pipeline, above posing in her range from Primark as part of a deal worth millionsCredit: Matt Healy for PrimarkThe mum, pictured here at a fashion awards event in 2006, will throw a huge bash for her closest friends and family to celebrate her 40thCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Branding Wayne an “idiot”, one seethed: “It’s upsetting to see Wayne acting this way because it takes the spotlight away from her.”
After dating Wayne since she was 16 years old, Coleen is well-versed in facing down his antics. She has stuck by him through every crisis in their marriage — including visits to sex workers in 2004 and 2009 and being charged with drink-driving in 2017.
In recent years Wayne has curbed his wayward ways, but has still had his share of controversial moments.
Turning 40 and with loads of exciting things coming her way, she’s entering this powerful new era
In 2020 he allegedly poked fun about his lack of a sex life, while the following year he was photographed fast asleep in a hotel room chair while three women struck comic poses around him.
“If Coleen is the angel then Wayne has definitely always been the devil on her shoulder,” one friend joked.
“Her friends think she’s the strongest woman out there for putting up with everything that Wayne has done. It takes a certain kind of woman to tolerate that behaviour and live with it. But Coleen has always just asked for honesty.
“The only time I think she’d draw the line is with anything that could affect her children.
“Her four boys are Coleen’s world. And when it comes to her kids, she is like a lioness with her cubs.
“Wayne absolutely knows that. She is just as fiercely protective over him too, to be honest. Coleen comes across as soft on the surface but she’s got balls of steel. No one would mess with her.”
Coleen herself confessed she was used to Wayne’s poor decision making and said she stuck with him for love.
She told British Vogue: “We’ve had our ups and downs. Obviously everybody knows. It’s been hard to go through it in the public eye but there has always been true love there.
“If the love is gone then, it’s pointless. But if not, you’ve got something to work for.”
Coleen added: “We’ve never backed away from it. We own it.
Coleen was the 2024 I’m A Celebrity runner-upCredit: RexA young Coleen, aged 16, famously photographed in school uniform in 2003Credit: Mirrorpix
‘Cheering her on’
“I remember having a conversation about this with someone and I said, ‘Well, do you know what your wife gets up to every day and night? At least I know what my husband is doing!’
“It might not be good, but I know. People lie to themselves.”
Coleen first came into the public eye when Wayne burst on to the scene as a teenager at Everton — and she was famously photographed in her school uniform aged 16 in 2003.
Her fashion choices saw her becoming a regular at high-end Liverpool boutique Cricket, once dubbed the “unofficial footballers’ wives headquarters” for how often she and other local Wags, including Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex, shopped there.
But it was at the 2006 World Cup at Baden-Baden in Germany that Coleen cemented her status as one of our favourite Wags alongside Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham.
Coleen comes across as soft on the surface but she’s got balls of steel. No one would mess with her
Friend
In that same year she teamed up with Asda as the face of its George clothing brand, before kicking off a lucrative deal with Littlewoods four years later for her own range.
It is expected that Disney TV cameras will capture parts of Coleen’s birthday celebrations, with the family opening the doors of their home for a fly-on-the-wall series.
Simply called The Rooneys, the three-parter has filmed both Wayne and Coleen, while also shadowing Coleen as she worked with Primark on her clothing line.
Insiders say the big plan for Coleen is to help make her star shine brighter.
Undeniably, she now has the opportunity to bring in the bigger pay packets.
Her deal with Primark was worth millions, while further lucrative deals have been coming in thick and fast.
Those close to Coleen say eyes will be kept on Wayne following a rather embarrassing boozy night out before the Brit Awards in February, the pair above in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He now has regular gigs as a pundit on Match Of The Day but, as one pal puts it, that is not going to sustain their lifestyle.
“Coleen is the golden ticket for the family now,” a friend explained.
“Wayne was the breadwinner for so long and now the roles have started to slowly reverse.
“To put it bluntly, Coleen is very marketable. She is popular, unproblematic and relatable. Her decision to create an affordable brand with Primark shows that.
“Watching her next steps is going to be really interesting. Everyone who knows and loves Coleen is cheering her on and wants her to succeed.
“This is just the beginning for Coleen. Now you just have to sit back and watch her rise.
“We just hope Wayne catches on and keeps himself in line.”