A WEBSITE considered the eBay or Vinted for holidays allows travellers to essentially buy second-hand breaks with massive savings.
Savings can be huge, one man even saved £6,000 on a luxury cruise that he bought online.
Transfer Travel is a place to bag a bargain ‘second hand’ holidayCredit: transfertravel.comIt sells everything from hotel stays to flights to cruisesCredit: transfertravel.com
Called Transfer Travel, the website is a place to snap up absolute bargains with savings between 40 to 70 percent.
On the flip-side, it lets users sell any part of their trip that they can no longer go from flights to hotels, accommodation or whole holidays.
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Maisie Blewitt, head of commercial at Transfer Travel, told the Daily Mail: “We’ve always said we’re like Vinted for travel or eBay for travel. If you can’t go on your holiday, you can just pop them on our platform and then resell them.
“There’s well over a thousand listings on the website at the moment, well over a thousand different people who need to kind of recoup a bit of money or sell travel plans when things change.”
One man who spoke to The Times said that he saved £6,000 on a luxury cruise after buying it on Transfer Travel.
Jorge Paiva bagged himself a two-week cruise around Portugal, Morocco and Spain and paid just £1,500 each, which was a third of the full-price ticket.
Originally listed at £9,000 he spent £3,000 on two non-refundable tickets for a Silversea Cruise when the sellers were advised not to go on health grounds.
Another woman who was visiting the UK from the US managed to nab first-class rail tickets from London Euston to Glasgow worth £240 for £150.
You can buy the holiday as is, or try and haggle the price down even more with the ‘Make Offer’ button.
Once the holiday is bought, the platform holds the money from the buyer until the new passenger’s details have been updated for the trip.
Currently there’s an offer to buy a stay on Allure of the Seas for just over £1,000Credit: Alamy
The money is then released to the seller, and if the seller doesn’t transfer the trip within 72 hours, the buyer is given a refund.
Sun Travel has found some great deals too – some are even during the summer holidays.
One flight deal is from Manchester Airport to Split with Jet2 from August 9 to September 5 for £190 – which is almost 60 percent less than the original price.
When it comes to holidays, one summer break on offer is seven-nights in Ibiza for £1,100.
Included is a stay at Hotel Brisa between August 17-25 and return flights from Manchester.
It’s a saving of 33.49 per cent.
Another offer is the seven-nights in Ibiza in August with flights for £1,100Credit: AlamyOr a safari holiday for £1,599.75 which is 66.92 per cent off the original priceCredit: Zulu Nyala Group
It’s for four people in a balcony cabin for six days between August 30 to September 6 at the cost of £1,711 – which is 39.47 per cent less than the original price.
This means that your chance of landing that once in a lifetime holiday are higher than ever.
So what are these tiers? Wowcher Mystery Holidays are split up into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.
You are assigned assigned a holiday from one of these tiers through a randomised draw.
Tier 1 offers luxury and long haul holidays while Tier 2 offers three and four night package and all inclusive holidays. Tier 3 is for two-night city or beach breaks.
Tier 1 odds are now up 33% – meaning you are more likely than ever to land a luxurious, long haul holiday.
Tier 2 odds are up 67% – meaning you are also more likely than before to land a package or all inclusive holiday.
Tier 1 destinations include Miami, The Bahamas, Thailand, Bali and moreCredit: Alamy
Which holidays could I land in the draw?
Here are all the destinations split up into Tiers 1, 2 and 3.
Tier 1 Holidays (up 33%)
Seven-night, 4* hotel breaks available in:
The Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica, St Lucia, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Cape Town, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Chicago, Washington, Calgary, Bermuda, and The Bahamas.
Three night, 4* breaks in: New York, Toronto and Boston
Or a five-night, 4* break in Miami.
Tier 2 Holidays (up 67%)
Four-night breaks with breakfast in:
Venice & Lake Como, Prague & Budapest, Rome & Venice, Lisbon & Barcelona.
Three nights (varying all inclusive or B&B basis) in:
Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Benidorm, Sicily, The Algarve, Turkey, Zante, Santorini, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete, Malta.
Plus the following special package breaks:
3 Night Disneyland Paris Holiday with park tickets & breakfast
3 Night Iceland with Northern Lights & breakfast
3 Night Holiday to Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan
3 Night Holiday to Geneva Chocolate & Cheese Train Experience
3 Night Rome City Break B&B with Vatican Tour & breakfast
3 Night Athens City Break B&B with Acropolis Tour & breakfast
Tier 3 Holidays
Two night city or beach breaks available in:
Madeira, Vienna, Brussels, Zadar, Prague, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Bratislava, Tallinn, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Rome, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Milan, Trieste, Bari, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Agadir, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Bucharest, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa Del Sol, Malaga, Alicante, Salou, Palma, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Sicily, Malta, Katowice, Cinque Terre, Salzburg, Tirana, Rimini, Sorrento, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade, Kaunas, Wroclaw, Bilbao, Santander, Benidorm, Marseilles, Cannes, Lyon, Nantes, Nuremberg, Gdansk, Helsinki, Geneva, Brindisi, Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Corfu, Crete, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna, Sunny Beach.
Click here to book yourself a £99 Wowcher holiday.
So how does it work when you actually book one?
When you book your holiday, you get to choose the exact dates that work for you – so no need to worry about not being able to get the time off.
You also get to pick the UK region you would like to fly from, so you won’t have to trek across the country to another airport.
And if you don’t land the holiday you were hoping for? No problem.
You’ll still enjoy a two night break at minimum with return flights included, staying in at least a three-star hotel – which is well worth the money itself!
And when you’re floating along in a gondola in Venice, posing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or chilling on the beach in Barcelona for only £99…
You can’t complain, even if you do bag somewhere closer to home.
You could bag a trip to New York with a £99 Wowcher Mystery HolidayCredit: Getty
IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.
In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.
Holiday Expert Rob Brooks has found luxurious hotels abroad that offer dirt cheap holidaysCredit: Rob Brooks
Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.
They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.
When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.
These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.
Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.
9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu
Bag a glamorous break in Corfu from £500pp and soak up the vibrant sceneryCredit: Getty
The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.
It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.
You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.
The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.
The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.
Book a holiday: Corfu
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Book a seven-night stay at the Yannis Hotel with breakfast from September 22, including direct flights from London Stansted, from £500pp.
The adults-only Osiris hotel in San Antonio has a rooftop sunset deck and glam outdoor pool areaCredit: On the Beach
If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.
This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.
Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.
I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.
The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.
While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.
Book a holiday: Ibiza
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Book a seven-night stay at Osiris Ibiza from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast.
Rob found a stay in Dalaman, Turkey for a week for £435ppCredit: Alamy
The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”
On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.
I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.
And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.
Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.
Book a holiday: Turkey
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Book a stay at the Oykun Hotel from September 2, including breakfast and return flights from London Gatwick, from £435pp.
Holiday among the rich and famous in Santorini from £380ppCredit: Getty
Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.
The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.
You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.
At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.
At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.
Book a holiday: Santorini
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Book a seven-night stay at the Zephyros Hotel from September 30, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £380pp.
Stay in a spacious apartment with an ocean view balcony at Alfagar Village in PortugalCredit: On the Beach
Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.
It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.
It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.
I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.
The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.
The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.
That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.
Book a holiday: Albufeira
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Book a seven-night stay at the Alfagar Village, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30, from £505pp.
Stay in the Dom Jose Beach Hotel in Portugal for sweeping views over the seaCredit: On the Beach
The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.
You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.
While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.
Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.
You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.
Book a holiday: The Algarve
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Book a seven-night stay with breakfast at the Dom Jose Beach Hotel from September 28, including return flights from Bristol, from £655pp.
Hotel Valentina averages a 4.7/5 star score on Tripadvisor and even has a rooftop poolCredit: On the Beach
If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.
This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.
Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)
I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).
But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.
Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.
Book a holiday: Malta
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Book a seven-night room-only stay at Hotel Valentina, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25, from £500pp.
Bag a seven night stat at the Velamar Boutique Hotel in Albufeira for £425pp, including flightsCredit: On the Beach
Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.
Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.
You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)
The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.
Book a holiday: Albufeira
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Book a seven-night stay with breakfast, including flights from London on September 22, from £425pp.
IF you want to live like an A-lister on your next holiday without paying eye-watering French Riviera prices, you’ll want to check out this Turkish hotspot.
Dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum delivers boutique beach clubs, yacht-packed marinas, and turquoise bays on a budget.
Bag yourself a boujee break in Bodrum for nearly half the cost of a St Tropez holidayCredit: Getty
The best part? Holidays here can cost you hundreds of pounds less when compared to its French rival.
According to travel experts at First Choice, holidaymakers who swap St Tropez for Bodrum can save an impressive £440 per person on their trip, which is 43% cheaper.
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This is based on comparing a seven-night, all inclusive stay at the four-starBodrum Holiday Resort and Spawith a week-long stay at the four-starHôtel Brin d’Azur in St Tropez.
While the St Tropez holiday would cost you £951pp, the Bodrum holiday would cost just £590pp.
And if you’re on a tighter budget, you can even bag yourself a break from £313pp with First Choice.
The holiday savings don’t stop when you land, either.
A three-course meal for two in Bodrum sets you back roughly €46 (£39) compared to €68 (£58) in St Tropez.
Local beers are also more than 50% cheaper, making going out for food and drink around one third cheaper overall.
Everything you’d be looking for in St Tropez – a glamorous waterfront, celeb-spotting, fancy bars and beach clubs – can also be found in Bodrum.
Famous figures including Kate Moss and even Royal Family members have been spotted strolling its glamorous streets.
Book in for a holiday at Bodrum Holiday Resort and Spa with First Choice from £481ppCredit: First Choice
Beyond the glam beach clubs and sunset cocktails, Bodrum packs in world-class history.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Or you could wander medieval Bodrum Castle, built using stones salvaged from the ancient tomb itself.
Late summer and early autumn are prime times to visit for prices, temperatures and beating the crowds.
Average temperatures sit around a warm 29°C in September, meaning you can soak up the sunshine long after the peak summer rush has passed.
For the ultimate day trip, you can even tick off two countries in one holiday.
Daily ferries zip across the Aegean to the Greek island of Kos in under an hour for just €35 (£30) return – meaning you could eat your breakfast in Turkey and dinner in Greece.
Alternatively, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat at the harbour to sail around hidden coves and quiet swimming spots, giving you a taste of the glitzy sailing life for a fraction of the cost.
The glamorous Turkish resort of Bodrum has been dubbed the St Tropez of TurkeyCredit: Getty
IF you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway without blowing through your savings, we’ve got good news.
While some popular hotspots, like Mykonos and Positano, often charge eye-watering prices, there are plenty of lesser-known, wallet-friendly spots in Europe and beyond for a sunny getaway.
And, with pints from £1.50, plus free attractions that the whole family will love, you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy your time abroad.
Whether you want White Lotus vibes in a cheap spot in Sicily, sun-drenched Spanish cities, or French countryside spots where local wines cost €2.50, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the Sun Travel team’s favourite cheap and sunny holiday destinations to book right now.
Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, Spain
Head of Travel, Lisa Minot
Fuengirola is a city on the Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga, SpainCredit: Getty
Yearning for the glitz and glam of the Spanish celeb magnet that is Marbella but don’t have the dosh?
Just half an hour along the coast, fabulous Fuengirola offers the same sun-soaked shores without the A-lister prices.
You’re guaranteed sizzling sunshine – more than 300 days a year – and the 7km stretch of wide, golden sands leading down to gently-shelving, family-friendly waters is the star of the show.
Los Boliches Beach is a Blue Flag-clean favourite and you’ll be paying far less than in other Mediterranean beach resorts for sunbeds, with prices from just £12 a day for two loungers and a sun shade.
All along the coast are chiringuitos – beachside bars – serving up cheap plates of grilled sardines on skewers for just a few euros, and a pint of chilled beer will set you back around £4.
Shopaholics should save their pennies for the sprawling Tuesday Street Market – one of the largest on the coast – with bargain leather bags, clothes and souvenirs.
Book a holiday: Fuengirola
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Sporty types will love the Higueron Hotel Malaga – Curio Collection by Hilton – that sits in the hills above Fuengirola and Benalmadena.
As well as a stunning rooftop infinity pool and restaurant, there’s multiple padel, tennis and beach volleyball courts to keep you fit and healthy as well as a stunning spa.
And when you’re saving on going out to eat and drink, and for all of the activities, why not spend the extra cash on somewhere nice to stay?
Reporter Cyann Fielding recommends a visit to Skanderbeg Square in TiranaCredit: Alamy
When you think of a sunny destination, your first thought probably isn’t Albania, let alone its capital Tirana.
But in fact, the city can reach 35C in July and is one of the sunniest cities in Europe with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year.
So there really couldn’t be a better holiday spot to sit back and sink a refreshing pint. It won’t even set you back much either, costing as little as £1.50.
One thing I really love about the city is it still feels completely undiscovered by Brits, lacking crowds and the typical souvenir shops on each corner that tend to come with that.
In the heart of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll be able to get a clear view of the surrounding architecture – a mix of traditional Albanian villas and Soviet grey concrete buildings.
If you want to earn your pint, climb the city’s very own pyramid, which has spectacular views of the mountains that border the capital.
Make sure to also look out for ‘pillbox’ bunkers which are littered across the city – many of which have been turned into vibrant and quirky bars and cafes.
Book a holiday: Tirana
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Hilton Garden Inn Tirana has stays from £87 per night during the school summer holidays.
Pretty Occitanie in France offers €2.50 (£2.13) glasses of wine and £33 return flightsCredit: Alamy
This jaw-dropping region in southern France is crammed with off-grid holiday spots, and petite villages that showcase authentic French history, cuisine and mannerisms… By that, I mean brush up on your linguistic skills before venturing into the rural parts.
Your efforts attempting to blend in with the locals will be rewarded with shockingly affordable food and drink of the highest quality – the French, after all, are the master innovators in the winemaking industry.
Head to the historic commune of Albi, where a glass of house wine will set you back around €2.50 – it’s good stuff, too.
The “Red City” has some of the most gorgeous medieval streets, with some immaculate palace gardens that are completely free to explore.
It’s best to fly into Toulouse so that you can pop over to some of the gorgeous villages nearby.
Saint Cirq Lapopie is frequently voted one of the most beautiful in France and it’s not hard to see why, with cobbled streets and wonky cafes that feel stereotypically French.
Book a holiday: Occitanie
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Ryanair flies from Stansted to Toulouse from £33 return.
The ibis Styles Albi Centre Le Theatro has rooms from €87 (around £75) per night, which works out to £37.50pp per night.
Seville in Spain offers reliable heat and sunshine – plus plenty of spots for authentic Spanish foodCredit: Getty
As one of Spain‘s most southern cities, you can always expect great weather in Seville (outside of summer of course – unless you like 40C days).
When it comes to wining and dining, you’re spoilt for choice, so I’d recommend trying a Secret Food Tour (from £65) which takes you around the local-loved spots. I had everything from churros and vermouth to pig cheeks and omelette along the way.
If you want a quick, cheap breakfast, go to Bar Alfalfa for a coffee and tomato toast for a few euros, or have a drink at El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest bar.
The city is famed for its flamenco, but rather than forking out for a show, I simply headed to the parks where you can usually catch a live street performance for free.
Instead, save your money to see the city’s two top attractions – the moorish Royal Alcazar Palace and Cathedral de Sevilla, the world’s largest gothic church.
Book a holiday: Seville
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Stay in the Only U hotel, where rooms can start from as little as £120 a night. It feels much fancier than the price thanks to its private heated swimming pool, on-site florist, bakery and chic bedrooms.
Sicily’s coastal seaside resort of Cefalu has the same stunning coastline that featured in the smash hit show.
While the hotel scenes were shot at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina, the opening beach scenes and swimming spots were filmed at Spiaggia di Cefalu in the town itself.
There’s a broad stretch of golden sands backed by a maze of cobbled streets and hidden lanes full of medieval architecture.
While meals in the restaurants in town are still great value, for a real bargain, do as the locals and pick up some street food to eat on the beach.
Arancini – deep fried risotto balls stuffed with ragu – or sfincione – thick slices of Sicilian pizza – will cost between £1 and £3.50.
Seeing the historic sites also won’t cost a lot. Head to the Piazza del Duomo to admire the twin-towered Norman cathedral – entry to admire its stunning mosaics is free.
And for just £4.30 you can hike up the craggy mountain of La Rocca that looms over the town and be rewarded for your efforts with jaw-dropping, picture-postcard views across the entire coastline.
Book a holiday: Cefalu
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The Palazzo Villelmi in Cefalu’s Old Town is right on Piazza del Duomo, facing the Cathedral and just 150 metres from the beach. Rooms from £154 per night.
Sun Travel’s Sophie Swietochowski recommends a visit to Gran Canaria in the Canary IslandsCredit: Getty
Seeking something cheap and cheerful with guaranteed sun? Few places fit the bill better than Gran Canaria.
The Spanish island’s proximity to the northwest coast of Africa (around 150 kilometers) means that balmy temperatures are practically guaranteed year round, especially in the south of the island, with the northern mountains acting as a protective barrier.
While it may not initially spring to mind as a budget destination, you can find some incredible value package offers.
Its popularity among Brits means that you’ll have your pick of deals with a huge variety of tour operators to pick from and some competitive prices.
A package holiday is exactly what you should book when heading here, too, as its resorts are completely geared up for fly and flop holidaymakers.
The last time I visited, I splashed out on an all-inclusive deal so that I could have pina coladas delivered to my sunlounger on a rotating basis, flopping between the pool and restaurants, barely lifting a finger. Talk about R&R.
Book a holiday: Maspalomas
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Seven nights’ B&B at the 4* Sunprime Atlantic View starts from £369pp, including flights from Stansted on September 30.
Visit Lake Garda in Italy for hot temperatures, cheap stays and plenty of family attractionsCredit: Getty
Italy will always have a fond place in my heart and when it comes to Lake Garda it has everything you could wish for, for a sunny family holiday.
In the 28C July heat, the lake is the perfect place to head for a swim which you can do from a number of beautiful beaches dotted around the perimeter, including Jamaica Beach.
If I had to pick one spot in particular around the lake that is really special, it would be Limone – a small cliff side town known for its historic lemon houses, waterfront promenade looking out at the clear lake, tonnes of citrus trees and even lemon-themed shops.
Make sure to head to Spiaggia Tifu beach in the town, which has lots of nearby amenities and calm waters making it ideal for families.
You can also hop on a ferry ride to a number of other villages and towns that sit around the lake.
And thanks to the abundance of restaurants and cafes around the lake, it won’t be hard to find a pretty spot to enjoy a pint, which will cost you around £4.20.
Book a holiday: Lake Garda
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Book in for a five-night stay for four at Eurocamp’s hu Altomincio Village for four from £172.40 total, which works out to £8.62pp per night.
Stroll for free through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade in MilanCredit: Alamy
The Italian city of Milan often gets a bad rap when compared to the likes of Rome, Florence and Venice – but you can still find some less-touristy gems if you know where to look.
Of course, you have to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is free and one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, as well as the famous Duomo.
But after this, leave the main city centre for Navigli, a canal-side neighbourhood lined with restaurants and cafes and crisscrossed by arched bridges.
Iter is a great bar with friendly staff and fantastic wine, while the nearby Pizza AM is cheap and cheerful (and comes with a free glass of fizz).
Film buffs should head to Bar Luce, a retro-style cafe designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Book a holiday: Milan
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NYX Hotel Milan is a great, affordable option. It has a lobby bar DJ and rooftop terrace, and stays from £131 per night.
HEADING off on holiday this year? Then you’ll want to make sure you’re stocked up on all the essentials.
We’ve rounded up 15 of the top travel items you may have forgotten to pack for your holiday.
We’ve rounded up the top travel essentials you’ll want to bring on your summer holidayCredit: Getty
And with all of them easily available on Amazon, you’ll be able to bag these last-minute buys quickly before you jet off.
From travel products that will save you 50% more room in your suitcase to a gadget that can save you hundreds at the airport, here’s those last-minute buys you won’t want to forget.
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Sleep headphones – £12.34 (44% off)
These soft sleep headphones make listening to music much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to sleep.
Built in are two mini speakers that connect to Bluetooth, saving you that horrible discomfort that comes with traditional headphones.
At a whopping 27,000mAh, it can fully charge an iPhone 4.5 times.
It sits right under the 100Wh capacity limit set by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, so you can bring it onboard in your carry-on with no fuss (just double check your airline allows power banks).
Whether you’re bringing it along to a festival, a theme park, camping or on an adventure abroad, it’s well worth having this life-saver power bank to hand.
Eye mask – £5.99 (25% off)
Trying to sleep on a brightly-lit plane is next to impossible, but napping becomes much easier with one of these.
Eye masks can be useful when travelling with kids who need to sleep, as they block out all the light and distractions.
This 3D padded one is ultra-comfortable and blocks out any annoying light.
Car emergency kit – £25.99
Taking your car abroad this year? To comply with European regulations, you’ll need to ensure you’re travelling with all the right equipment.
Luckily, this handy kit has pretty much everything you’ll need.
Included is a warning triangle, hi-vis vest, tow rope, jumper leads, first aid kit and more.
Save yourself hundreds on extra baggage fees by weighing your luggage with this transportable scaleCredit: Amazon
Portable luggage scale – £5.99
This portable luggage scale helps travellers avoid extortionate airport fees by letting you easily weigh your suitcases both before jetting off and on your return trip when you’ve done too much holiday shopping.
Study and simple to use, the handy gadget has earned nearly 27,000 mostly five-star reviews from shoppers.
The scale costs £5.99, but could save you hundreds on baggage fees – making it an inexpensive essential for stress-free travel.
Compression packing cubes – £19.99
These compression packing cubes squeeze your clothes down to save up to 50% of your suitcase space.
Designed with durable double-stitching and smooth zips, they even have a dedicated waterproof section to separate wet gear from dry outfits.
Hailed by reviewers as a ‘game-changer’, they also keep your luggage neatly organised so you’ll never have to rummage through your suitcase again.
Shampoo bar – £2.95
Packing your liquids bag often feels like an impossible challenge of fitting a million skincare and make-up items into one tiny pouch.
And once you’ve got your mascara, concealer, foundation and perfume in there, suddenly there’s no more room for your actual shower essentials.
So instead of trying to squeeze in shampoo from home or buying a large bottle abroad, try packing a solid shampoo bar.
These won’t affect your liquids allowance, which is especially great when you’re travelling with hand luggage only.
Watch your favourite movies on your phone with this plane phone holderCredit: Amazon
Toothbrush head covers – £2.49 (50p each)
If you’re someone who chucks their toothbrush into their bag or suitcase and hopes for the best, you’ll want to check this one out.
There’s nothing worse than a grimy toothbrush. And when you’re travelling, it’s hard to protect those bristles and keep them clean from other items in your bag.
And if you’re getting your toothbrush out on the plane or leaving it on the side in your hotel bathroom, you won’t want to think about all the germs that can get to it.
Luckily, Amazon sell a pack of five toothbrush caps for £2.49, working out to around 50p each.
WHAT’S better than a hotel stay? One that comes with a free meal of course.
During the summerholidays, Premier Inn is offering free kids meals throughout the day in over 370 locations across the country.
Premier Inn has launched its new Kids Eat Free deal on breakfast, lunch and dinnerCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireUp to two children under 15 can eat for free with every paying adultCredit: Premier Inn
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal is in place from now until September 1 at hundreds of its hotels – and you can check which ones here.
With the offer, up to two children aged 15 or under can eat for free with every paying adult.
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So in the morning when an adult orders a Full Breakfast with all the trimmings from £10.99, kids can fuel up too.
Premier Inn offers unlimited cooked breakfast and continental with unlimited soft and hot drinks.
In the afternoon or evening, up to two kids can choose from the children’s menu and have one free main meal per each paying adult.
On the children’s menu are dishes like 10-veg tomato pasta, spaghetti bolognese, pizzas, burgers, fish bites and poppin’ chicken.
Adults can opt for one main dish or a Meal Deal from £27.99 – it’s a two‑course dinner with a selected drink in the evening.
Adults can choose from dishes like fish and chips, curry, steak, salmon, pizza and a variety of burgers – which Sun Travel gave their verdict on.
There are lighter options too like the house Caesar salad, sweet and sour kings prawns and nourish bowls.
Premier Inn has also reduced the VAT on children’s meals saving 20 per cent on any additional kids’ meals not included in the free deal.
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal ends on September 1Credit: Premier Inn
Here are the Ts&Cs for the Kids Eat Free Deal…
Kids Eat Free Breakfast: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can enjoy a free breakfast for every adult purchasing a Full Premier Inn Breakfast.
Kids Eat Free Lunch/Dinner: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can have one free main from the kids’ menu (small or large, if available) per adult.
The adult must order a main course from the core evening menu and a drink priced at £1.99 or more. For guests who have purchased a meal deal, this will count as a ‘main’.
Drinks will be charged at full price. This offer is only valid until September 1, 2026 inclusive across selected Premier Inn Thyme restaurants.
For more details of which locations are included please visit the website.
SOMETIMES all you need is to get away from the stresses of life and book in a spa break.
And good news – if you’re overdue some relaxation, a spa session or overnight break doesn’t have to destroy your budget.
You could book a spa day at one of 35 Bannatyne spas across the UKCredit: Wowcher
Whether you want a countryside spa weekend with afternoon tea, a Bristol break with breakfast and bubbly, or even to try your luck on a mystery spa voucher – we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our pick of the best spa day and overnight stays across the UK, which are all on sale or up for a very cheap price on Wowcher.
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Bannatyne Spa Day – pick from 35 locations – £32.99
Book yourself in for some me-time at Bannatyne Spa, where this Wowcher offer gets you spa time, a treatment plus some goodies to take home.
Choose a 30-minute treatment from the following: a Swedish back, neck & shoulder massage, manicure, seasonal body scrub, or a tailored facial.
Then switch off from the world and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool.
Plus there’s 35 locations to choose from in spots like London, Norwich, Cardiff, York, Durham and more.
Save up to 66% on a spa day at Bannatyne Spa – from £32.99
Somerset spa break with breakfast and bubbly – £84
Stay at the DoubleTree Cadbury House in Somerset with breakfast and bubbly from £84ppCredit: Wowcher
Set in the Somerset countryside, the four-star DoubleTree Cadbury House hotel makes for a stunning staycation.
The hotel has its own spa with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, gym, thermal suite plus plenty of spots to lay back and relax.
Pick between a one or two-night stay and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, as well as a freshly-cooked breakfast each morning.
You can also choose to upgrate for an extra £20 each to enjoy dinner in the on-site Marco Pierrre White Steakhouse.
Book a spa break at the 4* DoubleTree Cadbury House from £84
Mystery spa break – £9.99
You could even win a spa holiday to a luxurious hotel in Paris with a mystery voucherCredit: Wowcher
This is the ultimate lucky dip – go for a £9.99 mystery deal and you could land a spa break at over 500 luxurious locations.
You could enjoy packages such as lunch, a treatment and a smoothie at Elan Spa, plus overnight breaks for two or a fancy spa day at Shangri-La The Shard in London.
You could even land a glamorous mini spa holiday abroad, winning a city break in Paris at a five-star spa hotel for two.
Once you’ve bought the mystery voucher, you’ll be sent a link to redeem it where will you see which prize you have won.
Bag a mystery spa voucher for £9.99
Four-star Essex Spa Day with Lunch included – £69
Save up to 51% off of full-price with this spa day in EssexCredit: Wowcher
Bag a spa day with lunch at the four-star Greenwoods Spa in Essex for £69, saving up to 51% off full price.
The deal includes a spa day experience with full access to all the facilities, as well as a two-course lunch.
Meal options include a pan-roasted chicken supreme, pork loin or fish of the day for main, as well as a mango cheesecake or warm chocolate brownie for dessert.
After lunch, settle down for the afternoon in the Greenwoods Spa, where you can have a gentle swim in the pool or a detox in the sauna.
Save up to 51% on a spa day with lunch at Greenwoods Spa – from £69
Overnight spa break in Northamptonshire countryside – £154
Sink into your relaxing countryside surroundings with a stay at York Cottage SpaCredit: Wowcher
This countryside spa retreat in Northamptonshire is the ideal place to go to clear your mind.
Stay in the rustic York Cottage Spa in a spacious king-sized suite, and make use of the spa with its swimming pool, sauna, and relaxation zones.
This deal is for two people, and also includes a traditional afternoon tea and cosy, fluffy robes to borrow.
Outside of your vibrant green countryside surroundings, you could head into the market town of Wellingborough to soak up its history.
Book an overnight spa break for two at York Cottage Spa for £154 (£77pp)
YOU don’t need to spend a small fortune to treat the family to a stay at a top holiday park.
These award-winning parks are packed with indoor waterparks, loads of kids activities, coastal views and top quality entertainment.
Thornwick Bay holiday park in East Yorkshire has top quality family entertainmentCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Plus we found deals for families of up to six for as little as £2.88pp per night.
So whether you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland, an escape to Essex, or a beach break in North Wales, these top-rated resorts deliver non-stop family fun.
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Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea
This AA four-star rated Clacton-on-Sea park has an indoor and outdoor pool, mini Segways, a nine-hole golf course, and a summer Football Fun Factory – and that’s just the start.
Put your spare 2p coins to good use in the arcade, or head off on a bike trail for quiet afternoon cycling along the fishing lake.
Then settle down by grabbing some familiar eats from Papa Johns, Burger King, or the park’s own pub, The Mash and Barrel.
Just 17 minutes away, Clacton Pavilion adds extra thrills with exciting live shows and more than 20 rides. You can grab an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99.
The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night break for four people in November for £49 total, working out to just £3.06pp per night.
Click the button below to browse last-minute summer breaks or to book ahead for quieter seasons.
Book a stay at Orchards Holiday Village from £49
Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire
Splash about in the huge indoor waterpark at Thornwick BayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
East Yorkshire’s Thornwick Bay holiday park is ideal for outdoors-y families, with its very own private lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Indoors you’ll find a spacious swimming pool with a multi-lane waterslide, plus an action-packed Activity Barn with climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime workshops.
On sunny mornings, little explorers can hunt for fossils and explore the sea caves down at the bay.
When it’s time to refuel, there’s takeaway favourites like Chopstix noodles, plus sit-down dining options like the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant. Just make sure to save room for dessert from Bertie’s Ice Cream.
With the dramatic Flamborough Headland’s moss-topped cliffs and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, there’s endless options for things to do at this coastal holiday park.
It even won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award last summer, and is rated a five-star holiday park by AA.
Check holiday dates and caravan options by clicking the button below.
Book a stay at Thornwick Bay from £49
Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland
Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is one of the largest holiday parks in ScotlandCredit: Haven
Race down neon-lit slides and flumes at Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – which sits inside Craig Tara holiday park.
Outside of the amazing waterpark, kids can burn off energy at the Adventure Village, where there are aerial ropes courses and a giant six-metre high platform called ‘The Jump’.
Plus with dedicated sensory rooms for toddlers and a huge soft play hall, every single age group is catered to.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, Craig Tara delivers the ultimate weather-proof staycation where a bout of rain could never dampen your holiday.
The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night stay for six people in September for £69 total, which is just £2.88pp per night.
Click below to browse holiday dates and caravan options.
Book a stay at Craig Tara holiday park from £69
Golden Sands, Rhyl
Golden Sands in Rhyl has caravans and chalets overlooking the sea shoreCredit: Away Resorts
Set right in the pretty seaside town of Rhyl, Golden Sands Holiday Park makes a brilliant base for exploring North Wales, and has collected awards from sites such as Hoseasons.
You can easily reach spots like Dyserth Waterfall and historic Gwrych Castle in just a short drive, plus Rhyl itself has its own miniature railway and golden beach.
Back on site, kids can burn off energy with NERF gun battles, an outdoor adventure playground and soft play, or splash around in the indoor pool.
This park also has fantastic evening entertainment, with family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.
Click below to browse dates and book yourself in for a staycation.
Book a stay at Golden Sands from £157
Combe Haven, Sussex
Take a spin in the massive Space Bowl flume at Combe Haven holiday parkCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
In sunny St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex, this lively resort is perfect for making a splash, with a huge water complex including a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume.
On-site activities range from archery coaching and footgolf to a giant climbing wall.
Head to Cook’s Fish and Chips for a chippy tea, and sea view drinks at The Saxon Bar to unwind in the evenings.
You’re also just 15 minutes from historic Hastings, where you can explore historic Hastings Castle and the underground caves of the Smuggler’s Adventure.
IS there anything more traditionally British than a big double-decker bus?
The Original London Bus Tour offer tours around the capital in classic, open-top buses – and there are some major savings to be had this summer.
The Original Tour are offering 25% off kids tickets for the Kids Tour of London this summerCredit: The Original Tour
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
Families looking for an exciting day out in London can save 25% on children’s tickets for The Original Tour’s guided Kids Tour of London, with kids under 2 going free.
The tour is the only one of its kind, as the only live guided London bus tour that is catered specifically to kids.
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Families can learn all about London from an enthusiastic tour guide on a 45 minute-long trip around the city.
The route will help you tick off all the major London sights, without the faff of hopping on and off the busy underground or walking long routes that are tiresome for little legs.
Simply sit back and relax on the open-top bus, where you are guaranteed a top deck seat.
You’ll cruise past landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, the London Eye and more.
But it’s not only about ticking off all the sights.
With the child-friendly commentary from the live tour guide, you’ll learn all the hidden secrets of London and fascinating facts that will make your day out all the more interesting.
Come September, the kids will have plenty of new knowledge to impress with at school – along with those fond family memories.
As the tour is catered to families, you can expect all the comforts like room to park your pram downstairs, free Wi-Fi, plus you’re allowed to bring snacks onboard.
The Original Tour offer the only open-top bus tour in London designed specifically for kidsCredit: The Original Tour
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
The best part? You can also claim seven other freebies as part of the offer.
Plus you’ll get access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.
That’s three ways to see London for the price of one – all of which are kid-friendly, hassle-free and put together by experts.
That way you can put together the perfect family day out in London during the school summer holidays that won’t break the bank.
Tours depart from Charles II Street, beside His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For added flexibility during the summer holidays, you can amend up to 24 hours before departure.
You can book your ticket online or browse other bus tours by clicking the button below.
The 25% off children’s tickets deal is a limited-time offer, and runs over the school summer holidays.
The offer also includes a free hop-on, hop-off Thames cruise plus six walking tour routesCredit: Getty
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
Spacious self-catering apartments come with private terraces, while sizzling poolside BBQs, bike rentals, and evening performances keep everyone entertained.
Best of all, you’re just a five-minute stroll from the Europa Centre’s lively shops, with your pick of two beaches waiting down the hill.
Book a seven-night stay at the Nido del Aguila from August 18 for £263pp
Tenerife – £245pp
Stay at the Coral La Quinta Park Suites in Tenerife from £245ppCredit: Trip Advisor Management
Santa Ursula shows off a more relaxed side to Tenerife, with dramatic ocean cliffs and lush green landscapes.
It’s perfect for escaping the mega resort chaos, while still putting you just a 10-minute drive from the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz.
Positioned on a cliffside, Coral La Quinta Park Suites offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Teide and the Atlantic.
Grab local snacks and cheap wine from the supermarket just a minute away for DIY tapas on your private balcony, then spend your days bouncing between the subtropical pool and the on-site mini-golf course.
Book a seven-night stay at the Coral La Quinta Park Suites from August 19 for £245pp
Lanzarote – £255pp
Costa Teguise is ideal for families, with soft-sand beaches with shallow water to easily wade intoCredit: Getty
Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s most popular family resorts, pairing year-round sunshine with breezy golden beaches and a laid-back coastal vibe.
It’s ideal for sun-seekers who want easy access to watersports, golf, and oceanfront dining.
Just a two-minute stroll from the sands of Playa Bastian, Molino De Guatiza Apartments is a quiet, 36-room complex made for real relaxation.
You can kick back with a drink from the pool bar or take an easy 10-minute walk into the resort centre for lively bars and tapas.
Book a seven-night stay at the Molino De Guatiza Apartments from August 18 for £255pp
Crete – £289pp
a bus ride from rythemno, plakias is a must sea destinationCredit: Getty
Plakias on Crete’s south coast swaps tacky tourist traps for traditional family-run tavernas, dramatic mountain views, and quiet beaches.
There are plenty of breath-taking landscapes to explore, like sheltered white sand coves and Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which has a waterfall you can swim beneath plus a chapel built into the rock face.
With just 12 rooms on the whole property, Sunrise Hotel & Apartments is about as low-key as a Greek getaway gets.
That means zero fighting for sunbeds by the pool, a handy splash zone for the kids, and a poolside bar for grabbing a cold drink before taking a dip.
Book a seven-night stay at the Sunrise Hotel & Apartments from August 12 for £289pp
Fuerteventura – £249pp
Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura is a laid-back resort that is close to the airportCredit: Alamy
If you like to skip the long transfer coach after landing, Caleta de Fuste sits just ten minutes from the airport around a broad, sheltered bay.
It’s got everything you need for the ideal family holiday: 26C sunshine, relaxex bars and restaurants, and beaches with calm, shallow waters.
The BLUESEA Puerto Caleta is a traditional whitewashed complex centreed around a palm-lined swimming pool.
Here, you’re a five-minute stroll from the nearest beach and only two minutes from the local supermarket – ideal for stocking up your modern apartment’s kitchenette.
Book a seven-night stay at the BLUESEA Puerto Caleta from August 7 for £249pp
GONE are the days of dingy caravans in the drizzling rain – because the UK’s hottest holiday parks feel more like multi-million pound mega resorts.
Today, the best coastal holiday parks have been transformed into massive, all-action playgrounds that easily rival an overseas holiday.
These are some of the UK’S best and biggest seaside holiday parksCredit: Destination Selsey
We’re talking huge parks boasting their own on-site Wetherspoons for cheap family meals, massive indoor waterparks the kids will love and even theme parks right on your doorstep.
Best of all, you don’t need to blow your savings to get in on the action.
We’ve rounded up the ultimate action-packed resorts across the UK, with stays starting from an unbelievable £3.06 per person, per night – which, let’s face it, is probably cheaper than a pint at that on-site Spoons.
Here are the best mega holiday parks to book right now for a budget-friendly family staycation.
Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk
Grab a pint at The White Clover, the on-site Wetherspoons at Hopton Holiday VillageCredit: Haven
Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk is hard to beat – especially since it holds the current title for AA’s Holiday Park of the Year.
Fresh from a massive makeover, the park now has its very own Wetherspoons pub – The White Clover – as well as a newly-upgraded pool complex that has literally doubled in size.
This holiday park sits on the golden sands of Hopton-on-Sea, and is just 12 minutes down the road from the legendary Golden Mile of Great Yarmouth.
There you can grab a bag of hot, sugary donuts and stroll the pier, drop spare change into traditional two pence machines, or even tackle Pleasure Beach’s legendary wooden rollercoaster – one of only two in the UK.
When it comes to activities on-site, this site packs in everything from crazy golf and Segway tours, to a heated indoor pool complete with high-speed flumes and slides.
Once the day is done, you can head straight to the buzzing lounge bar to grab a drink and catch the fun-filled Seaside Squad entertainment.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £49.
If you’re looking for a last-minute summer staycation, the cheapest we found was for a four night break from July 31 for four people in a saver caravan for £249, or £15.56pp per night.
Unity Beach in Somerset has its own waterpark and theme park, plus it’s close to the beachCredit: unity beach somerset
You don’t just get a holiday park stay at Unity Beach in Somerset – you get a holiday park, theme park and a newly-revamped waterpark rolled into one.
Brean Theme Park is the UK’s largest free-entry theme park, and it packs in over 40 attractions – from outdoor rollercoasters and classic dodgems to a splashing log flume.
This summer also sees the reopening of the upgraded Unity Splash waterpark, which included both indoor and outdoor splash zones, waterslides, and rubber ring rides.
Kids can burn energy at the trampoline park, indoor soft play, crossbow shooting, or even axe throwing.
Not the mention you’ve got the epic, seven-mile stretch of Brean Sands beach right on your doorstep.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay from September 7 in a Bronze two bed caravan for £199, working out to £12.44pp per night.
Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, South Wales is the UK’s largest holiday parkCredit: Alamy
As the UK’s biggest holiday park – and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.
Situated in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.
But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.
Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.
Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a three night stay from September 7 in a bronze caravan sleeping four for £229. That works out to £19.08pp per night.
Craig Tara in Ayrshire is home to one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparksCredit: Caravan Lodge Holidays
Haven’s flagship Scottish resort, Craig Tara, is a colossal playground built for non-stop family fun.
This holiday park is home to Splashaway Bay, one of Scotland’s biggest indoor waterparks, which has its own lazy river, multi-lane slides and an enormous tipping bucket.
Kids can race down a speed-tracking flume to see their name on the daily leaderboard, or zip down a twisting waterslide lit up with vibrant neon lights.
Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, brave kids can scale the aerial ropes course or take a literal leap of faith from the six metre-high platform ‘The Jump’.
And if that’s not enough, you’ve got the Airspace sports hall, which is loaded with a climbing wall, electronic target zones, and a giant soft play arena.
Toddlers are just as well looked after, with dedicated baby sensory rooms and their own interactive splash zone.
This holiday park makes for the ultimate rainproof staycation, where the unpredictable Scottish weather won’t affect your holiday plans.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 14 for £49 total. That works out to £3.06pp per night.
Littlesea Holiday Park in Weymouth has lots to do on-site, plus nearby attractions like Durdle DoorCredit: Haven
If you’re after jaw-dropping sea views and a relaxing, slower-paced park, Haven’s Littlesea Holiday Park is a top choice.
With its own tranquil stretch of sand on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Haven Littlesea overlooks the serene Fleet Lagoon and has natural wonders like the stone arch of Durdle Door right on your doorstep.
On-site, kids can get their hands dirty with guided nature walks and bug hunts, plus there’s also creative pottery classes and lively games of beach bingo.
New additions to the park include the Football Fun Factory and The Tiger Club Show, making its return from the 90’s era of Haven entertainment.
As for food and drink, families can tuck into a pizza at Papa Johns, grab a burger from The Smash Shack, or tuck into some delicious fish and chips from Cook’s.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a three night stay from September 28 for four people in a saver caravan for £89. That works out to £7.42pp per night.
Stay at Thornwick Bay holiday park for access to a stunning cove with clear blue watersCredit: Emma and Gordon Taylor
Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay sits right on the edge of the dramatic Flamborough Headland, giving you instant access to a breathtaking beach backed by moss-topped cliffs.
This coastal hotspot is a paradise for little explorers, who can spend their mornings rock pooling, hunting for fossils, and poking around hidden sea caves.
You don’t even have to head to the ocean to get out on the water, thanks to a private on-site lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Indoors, the Activity Barn packs in climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime-making workshops, plus there’s an indoor pool complex complete with a multi-lane waterslide.
When it’s time to refuel, you can grab a box of Chopstix noodles or head to the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant where the kids can play in the garden’s sandpit.
Top it all off with a giant scoop from Bertie’s Ice Cream, and your next summer staycation is completely sorted.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £49 total, or £3.06pp per night.
Devon Cliffs holiday park in Exmouth has an on-site Wetherspoons called The Red RocksCredit: Supplied
Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s biggest resorts, sloping right down to its very own award-winning private beach, Sandy Bay, where dramatic red cliffs meet the sea.
This coastal holiday park boasts a massive indoor pool with a speedy four-lane slide, alongside a sea-kayaking and paddle-boarding school right on the shore.
Back up on the cliffs, families can tackle a high ropes course, bounce on bungee trampolines, race mini 4x4s, or hurtle down high-speed rubber ring tube slides.
Eating on a budget is a breeze too, thanks to the park’s on-site Wetherspoons, The Red Rocks.
Parents can also escape for a seaside pint to the beach bar, or grab a bite to eat in the South Beach Cafe for sunsets and sea views.
There’s also two live entertainment venues hosting everything from classic bingo to nostalgic 90’s tribute shows.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night break for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £59, which works out to £Xpp per night.
FOREIGN holidays this summer are shaping up to be the cheapest they’ve been in decades – and we’ve found some of the best deals out there.
With peak August package holidays starting from just £188pp and all-inclusive weeks away from £269pp, the dreaded school holiday price surge appears to have collapsed.
You could book a last-minute family holiday this summer for less than you’d think, from £189ppCredit: Getty
Brits’ booking behaviour has been impacted by the cost of living crisis, summer heatwaves and worries over the Iran war and increase in fuel prices, with many opting for a staycation this year instead.
Meanwhile, holiday companies have slashed the price of package holidays abroad – and almost nobody seems to have noticed.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, explained: “The conflict in the Middle East – and resulting fears about fuel availability – saw many of us pause our holiday planning.
“Many also chose to wait as England stormed through to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
“With the cost of living still an issue for millions AND the sun shining in yet another heatwave across the UK, there were yet more reasons for us to wait before we booked.
“And that’s resulted in some incredible deals as the big tour operators desperately tempt us to put our holiday pounds on the table.
“Jet2 – now the UK’s largest tour operator – opened its 14th base at Gatwick as the summer season took off putting it in direct competition with its great rivals TUI and easyJet at the UK’s second biggest airport for the first time.
“Increased competition will mean all of the big operators trying to tempt us to book with the kind of holiday prices we haven’t seen in a decade.”
To help you cash in on these price drops, we’ve rounded up seven of the cheapest family holiday deals we could find this summer.
All of these package hols are within the school summer holidays, based on a family of two adults and two kids, and come in at under £300pp.
Marmaris, Turkey – £239pp
We found a deal for a family holiday to Marmaris. Turkey for £239pp this AugustCredit: Getty
Marmaris on Turkey‘s turquoise coast is a very popular family destination, and for good reason.
The resort is a sun-drenched playground packed with golden sandy beaches, ancient castles and a lively waterfront that gives Marmaris that unmistakable holiday buzz.
The Grand Villa Sol Apart offers a brilliant, budget-friendly base close to all the action.
Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool with a drink from the poolside bar, then catch evening entertainment shows out on the terrace.
There’s also a shuttle to whisk you straight to the beach in ten minutes, plus the Aqua Dream Water Park is just a five-minute drive away.
Book a holiday – Marmaris
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Loveholidays offer a seven-night self-catering stay at the Grand Villa Sol Apart from August 13, with return flights from Glasgow, for £239pp.
View of San Andres village and Las Teresitas beach in TenerifeCredit: Getty
Costa del Silencio is a laid-back Tenerife resort known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, peaceful seafront boardwalk and glass-clear natural pools far away from any noisy crowds.
The Parque Carolina Apartments offer a relaxed place to stay with plenty of room for big families, plus a pretty sun terrace made for catching rays.
The self-catering apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, plus private patios to enjoy breakfast out in the sun.
When you’re ready for a dip, the bright yellow cliffs and clear waters of Playa Amarilla beach are just a few minutes’ stroll away.
Plus golf lovers can tee off at nearby Amarilla Golf or Golf del Sur, while a 15-minute drive takes you to world-class waterparks like Siam Park and Aqualand.
And at an unbelievable £188pp, this island getaway is the cheapest package holiday deal on our list.
Book a holiday – Tenerife
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On the Beach offer a seven-night self-catering stay at the Parque Carolina Apartments from August 18, with return flights from Glasgow, for £188pp.
Sunny Beach is a go-to pick for a bargain summer breakCredit: Alamy
With sweeping golden beaches and famously cheap prices, Sunny Beach is a go-to pick for a bargain summer break.
The Sunny Day Club hotel is an ideal spot for families, tucked into a quieter northern patch of the resort.
Days here revolve around the giant outdoor pool, where parents can laze out on a lounger while little ones burn off energy in the children’s playground.
When hunger strikes, there’s an on-site restaurant and cafe serving unfussy family favourites, plus a poolside snack bar for quick bites.
The buzzy bars, shops and restaurants of Sunny Beach are just a short bus ride away, with a convenient bus stop directly outside the hotel.
Book a holiday – Bulgaria
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Loveholidays offer a seven-night stay with breakfast at Sunny Day Club from August 3, with return flights from Bristol, for £279pp.
In Agadir, temperatures sit in the high 20s to early 30s in AugustCredit: loveholidays
For some guaranteed summer heat, head to Agadir, where temperatures sit in the high 20s to early 30s in August.
The Moroccan resort boasts a six-mile stretch of sand to enjoy, plus a vibrant centre with bustling souks and budget-friendly restaurants.
The whitewashed Appart Hotel Igoudar sits right next to a bustling local market, where you can wander past colourful souks selling local goods and spices, as well as browse for souvenirs.
Here you’re a five-minute stroll from the main beach, with a spacious self-catering apartment to return to after days out exploring.
Book a holiday – Agadir
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Loveholidays offer a five-night room-only stay at the Appart Hotel Igoudar from August 26, including return flights from Edinburgh, for £189pp.
Sun Star Beach Hotel delivers a classic hassle-free, all-inclusive family holiday.Credit: loveholidays
Sitting on Turkey’s sun-drenched southern shores, Mahmutlar in Antalya pairs quiet beaches with dramatic mountain backdrops.
Sun Star Beach Hotel delivers a classic hassle-free, all-inclusive family holiday.
The palm-lined outdoor pool is complete with a yellow waterslide, plus plenty of loungers – so no need to worry about sunbed hoggers.
We found a bargain all-inclusive package that covers buffet meals, poolside snacks and drinks.
There’s even an on-site spa to escape to with a traditional Turkish bath and sauna, allowing you to truly unwind.
You’re also just a minute’s walk from the hotel’s own private beach, and a short bus ride away from central Alanya where you can explore its historic hilltop castle and harbour.
Book a holiday – Antalya
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Loveholidays offer a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach from August 22, with return flights from Glasgow, for £269pp.
FANCY a classic sightseeing trip to London? I’ve found the best way to take in the city’s breath-taking skyline.
Us Brits are lucky to have a fantastic capital city which packs in fascinating landmarks, futuristic skyscrapers, and majestic bridges as well as historical 11th century buildings which still stand today.
I found the best way to soak up London’s best sights – and enjoy a fancy meal on the Thames at the same timeCredit: Jenna Stevens
Book a River Thames Lunch Cruise – ON SALE for £38 (was £53)
And if you’re planning a trip to London anytime soon, there’s one sightseeing experience you won’t want to miss.
City Cruises have a range of Thames sightseeing cruises which let you take in the London city skyline from the water from an open-air deck or swanky indoor lounge.
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You can pick from a classic sightseeing cruise, which starts from only £15 per adult and £10.25 per child, or treat yourself to a Jazz, Elvis tribute or even a Murder Mystery cruise.
Not only is this the most popular experience, but it’s currently on sale – down to £38 a ticket instead of £53. That’s the cheapest lunchtime cruise on the River Thames we could find.
Considering you get a fancy two-course meal, panoramic views of London’s top landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, plus expert commentary – this is one hell of a bargain.
The tour starts by stepping onboard at the Tower Millennium Pier, a central spot that’s easy to get to by taking the underground to Tower Hill.
I stepped onboard to find a very spacious cabin, with a sleek downstairs dining area dotted with white tablecloths, plus an upper deck that’s perfect for making use of in sunny weather.
Lots of guests around me were celebrating birthdays or special occasions, dressed up to the nines snapping shots for Instagram or family photos.
And this is certainly the place to take pictures, with flattering golden sunlight pouring in through the windows, plus landmarks like Tower Bridge, The Shard and Big Ben as your backdrop.
I cruised past landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye on my City Cruises’ lunch tourCredit: Jenna Stevens
Book a River Thames Lunch Cruise – ON SALE for £38 (was £53)
As it turns out, the food onboard was just as impressive as the views.
I only waited around 15 minutes from being seated until my main course arrived – and the presentation of the dish was Masterchef-worthy.
There are two options for your main course: a vegetarian cassoulet with oyster mushrooms and white beans, or a roasted supreme of chicken with fondant potatoes and veg.
I went for the latter, and was blown away by the rich creamy mushroom sauce and the cheesy fondant potato. The decadent dish would have wowed me in a high-end restaurant, let alone on a Thames cruise.
After a short rest came dessert – a baked cheesecake with a gooey white chocolate centre and a heavy drizzle of tart raspberry coulis, plus tea or coffee. Could you picture a more perfect pudding?
With a full belly and warm coffee in hand, there’s nothing left to do but lean back and watch London glide past your window
The route takes you from the pier across to Canary Wharf, where you can admire the futuristic skyline and spot six of the UK’s 10 tallest buildings.
From here you’ll turn back around and head all the way towards Big Ben.
The London Lunch Cruise on the River Thames is City Cruises’ most popular experienceCredit: Jenna StevensThe sunlight pours in the huge windows onboard – perfect for taking picturesCredit: Jenna Stevens
This is when the commentary begins, so you’ll soak up centuries of London history along the way. I recommend heading up to the deck for the best views.
You’ll glide under nine magnificent bridges including Tower Bridge, London Bridge and – my favourite – the Wibbly Wobbly bridge (AKA Milennium Bridge).
You’ll also get up-close with the bright red pillars of the lost 18th century Blackfriars Bridge which jut out from the water.
Plus you’ll cruise under “Ladies’ Bridge” – the unofficial nickname of Waterloo Bridge, which was built largely by women during World War II.
It was fascinating to see historic landmarks nestled in-between glossy modern offices and huge skyscrapers.
One of these impressive slices of history is Cleopatra’s Needle – the oldest structure in London. The obelisk was built in 1450 BC, and made its way over to London from Egypt in 1878.
Finally you’ll pass spots like the Globe Theatre and the London Eye until you reach the Houses of Parliament – stop for a quick selfie – then it’s back to the pier.
Although I live in London, I left feeling like I’d learned so much about my city that I didn’t even before, thanks to the knowledgeable tour guide.
Overall, the lunch cruise was a fantastic way to pack in sightseeing, fascinating history, and a delicious meal into one relaxing experience.
Plus when you step off, you’ve got the Tower of London, Borough Market and more on your doorstep to continue ticking off the best of London.
Click below to browse City Cruises‘ options, starting from £15 for a sightseeing cruise.
The London Lunch Cruise is currently on sale, down to £38 per ticket instead of £53Credit: Jenna Stevens
Browse City Cruises’ experiences – starting at £15 per adult
The Lidl case holds 10kg of luggage and fits within the size requirements of most UK-based airlines, helping you dodge those hefty oversized baggage fees.
But the Amazon dupe is cheaper and even better.
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Like the Lidl bargain, the AVIO option features a secure hard shell, easy-glide wheels and fits neatly in a plane’s overhead locker.
It also comes with an extra feature that the Lidl option doesn’t have.
It has a built-in, three-digit lock to protect your items.
This means you can lock down your zips and keep your passport, tech, and any valuables secure without needing to buy a separate padlock.
And you can’t beat the peace of mind knowing that your luggage is safe and secure when out of sight.
Amazon reviewers rate the suitcase very highly, too, giving it a 4.3/5 star rating and praising that the roomy suitcase lets you make the most of your cabin baggage allowance.
The Amazon find fits perfectly into overhead cabin storage with airlines like Ryanair and easyJetCredit: Getty
One reviewer said, “These are excellent little cases. We bought them to fly with easyJet and to keep our ticket price as low as possible; these will fit easily under the seat in front.
“We were able to get a surprising amount of stuff in them for a four night stay; toilet bag (basics), 4 t-shirts, hoodie, 4 socks, 4 pants, sweatpants and Birkenstocks and some electronics and an anorak.”.
Another reviewer added, “Amazing quality, very lightweight, tires are nice. For cabin bag, its good as it gets”.
An eSIM from Holafly can give you unlimited data in over 200 destinations worldwide. This includes holiday spots like Spain, France, and Italy, as well as long-haul destinations like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Unlike traditional network add-ons that cap your usage, Holafly gives you unlimited data for your entire trip.
That means endless streaming, scrolling, and map-checking without constantly eyeing your data bar in a panic.
Even better, Sun readers can bag an extra 5% off any Holafly eSIM by using our exclusive code THESUNHOLA5 at checkout.
Frequent flyer? The exact same code also knocks 10% off global monthly plans, giving you unlimited worldwide data from £38.95 a month.
Click the button below to browse the Holafly eSIMs available across 200+ countries.
Holafly eSIMs start from £2.99, and you can pick from over 200 destinations worldwideCredit: PA
Save 5% on Holafly eSIMs (Use code THESUNHOLA5)
How to bag an Holafly eSIM
You don’t need to be a tech genius to get your Holafly eSIM set up.
Download the Holafly app: Pick your destination and select how many days you need.
Apply your discount: Enter code THESUNHOLA5 at checkout to claim your savings.
Activate in seconds: A code will be emailed straight to your inbox, and you can activate it in seconds with a single tap.
Best of all, these eSIMS work alongside your existing setup – meaning no new phone numbers or fussy extra steps.
Your regular physical SIM and WhatsApp number stay completely active, so you won’t miss a single message or call from back home while you’re connected to local data.
Don’t forget to use our exclusive code at checkout to bag your saving: THESUNHOLA5.
The code will give you an extra 5% off Holafly eSIMS and 10% off of monthly plans.
WANT sun, sand and zero compromises this summer holiday? A solo break could be just the ticket.
As editor of 101 Singles Holidays, Tracey Davies is seeing more folk wanting to go away alone.
This summer, you can save £100 on its guided walking holiday in the Dolomites in northern ItalyCredit: GettySolo travel specialist Friendship Travel hosts brilliant HouseParty holidays in destinations across the Med, including this one in CorfuCredit: Getty
Skyscanner’s Global Travel Report shows an 83 per cent rise in bookings from the solo travel search filter compared to last year.
Want to go exploring on your own? Here are Tracey’s picks . . .
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A PASSAGE TO INDIA
Mercury Holidays’ ten-day Essence of North India for Solo Travellers tour is a great introduction to the countryCredit: Getty
Mercury Holidays’ ten-day Essence of North India for Solo Travellers tour is a great introduction to the country.
Take a rickshaw ride around Old Delhi, visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur and explore the historic Amber Fort.
Staying at the charming Regina Elena hotel in Caderzone Terme, the week-long holiday includes scenic walks around the Genova Valley and day trips to Lake Garda and Lake Nero.
GO: Walking in the Dolomites & Lake Garda is now £1,349, including flights, guided walks and most meals.
Regent Holidays’ five-day tour explores the Baltic capitals of Latvia and Lithuania.
Landing in Riga, you will spend two days exploring Latvia’s atmospheric capital, where a highlight is the food tour of the Central Market, housed in an old Zeppelin hangar.
Then take a first-class train ride to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius and enjoy the delights of its Old Town, staying two nights in the music-themed Rock’n’Roll Hotel.
GO: The Discover Riga & Vilnius tour is from £990, including flights, transfers, a room with breakfast, first-class train ticket and guided tours.
WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.
Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.
Bag a stay at the glamorous Hotel Collingwood, BW Signature Collection by Best Western for cheapCredit: Best Western
Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.
To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.
Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click hereto browse which ones are offering free breakfast.
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To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.
Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.
To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.
From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.
Seaside escape to Bournemouth
Book a break to Bournemouth with this Best Western package hotel dealCredit: supplied
Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.
This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.
When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.
Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.
Stay from £180 per night (for two)
Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch
Book the Swing & Stay package deal for a hotel break and an 18-hole round of golf, plus breakfastCredit: Redditch gold club
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.
The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.
Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.
Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.
Stay from £238 per night (for two)
VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham
Enjoy two hours of bottomless Prosecco at Birmingham’s Jazz & Blues Festival with this weekend breakCredit: Best Western
This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.
You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.
Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.
After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.
Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)
Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury
Book the Art of Mixology package to escape to Canterbury for a cocktail-making weekendCredit: Best Western
Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.
With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.
Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.
The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)
80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft
Attend Lowestoft’s Original 80’s Party Night with a stay at the Best Western The Hatfield HotelCredit: Best Western
Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.
Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.
The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.
Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)
Stay at Best Western’s posh Southcrest Manor hotel on your weekend golf breakCredit: TRIP Advisor
THIS popular East Yorkshire holiday park has undergone an epic multi-million pound transformation for 2026.
Skirlington Coast holiday park in East Yorkshire has received plenty of exciting additions this year, including a range of new activities – plus a brand new lido and waterpark to splash about in.
Skirlington Coast holiday park has undergone £10m worth of upgrades for summer 2026Credit: Skirlington Coast
Even better, the holiday park is available to book as part of The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50, meaning you can bag yourself a seriously affordable stay to check out all the new upgrades.
The holiday park have invested 10 million pounds into upgrading its grounds and facilities, such as introducing a new bandstand and festival gardens.
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But perhaps the most exciting new additions are its waterpark, lido and family activities.
The waterpark spans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.
Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.
Outdoors, kids can burn off their energy on the Giant Aqua Bounce inflatable, while adults can sunbathe on a comfy lounger.
As well as the waterpark upgrades, the park have also opened up a brand new lido.
The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if the weather does take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.
Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.
The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.
How to book your £9.50 holiday
Hols from £9.50 were restocked on Wednesday, July 8, with thousands of new holidays released across the UK and Europe.
If you didn’t collect the codes in the paper, you can access the holidays immediately by signing up to Sun Club.
Once you’re a member, go to theSun Club Offers hub and find Hols From £9.50.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break until booking closes on August 10.
You can browse the range of holiday parks available at club950.co.uk.
Enjoy the new lido at Skirlington Coast holiday park with a striped roof for shadeCredit: Skirlington Coast
Here you can grab a refreshing drink from the Festival Bar and soak up the scenery.
As well as housing the lido and outdoor waterpark, this area is also home to a brand new dog agility park – so if you like to bring your furry friend with you on holiday, this is the perfect place to teach them some new tricks.
The area also includes a new bike pump track, where younger children can zoom around a course and practice their skills on pump bikes that require no pedalling.
The other two zones within the Festival Gardens area are the outdoor playground and the activity tent, where you can have a go at new activities like axe throwing, rifle shooting and firing mini crossbows.
When it comes to food and drink, this park has plenty of options.
Grab a bite to eat at Sea Salt Fish and Chips to keep in line with the seaside holiday vibe, or tuck into a hearty full English breakfast at the cosy Wonky Donkey cafe.
Menus here are made with fussy eaters in mind, so expect lots of familiar favourites like burgers, pizzas, chips and nuggets.
A new bike pump track has opened as part of the £10m upgrades for summer 2026Credit: Skirlington CoastSkirlington Coast holiday park has both an indoor and outdoor waterparkCredit: Skirlington Coast
Accommodation ranges from camping and touring pitches to well-stocked holiday homes split up into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories.
The most simple Bronze caravan comes with a roomy open plan design with a modern kitchen and spacious living room, with a sofa that pulls out to turn into an extra bed.
The caravans also all come with central heating, double-glazed windows, Wi-Fi and beds made-up on arrival, so no need to worry about bringing your own linen like elsewhere.
The holiday park sits on Yorkshire’s beautiful, rugged coastline, with popular seaside town Hornsea a 10-minute drive away and Skipsea Beach just five minutes away.
FANCY a last-minute break? You aren’t the only one. Holiday Hypermarket has found that one in five Brits are booking trips just two weeks before jetting off.
And there are plenty of great holiday deals too – and we’ve found some holidays all under £300pp.
You could jet off to the Trabukos Beach Complex in Corfu for £260ppCredit: On the Beach
Seven Hills Camping & Village, Italy
There’s a large freshwater pool at Seven Hills Camping & Village in ItalyCredit: Love Holidays
Set in the Italian countryside is Seven Hills Camping & Village which has bungalow-style accommodation.
It has an outdoor freshwater swimmingpool and a sun terrace for soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.
From the swimming pool to evening entertainment, there’s plenty for guests to do.
All rooms come with a private balcony with outdoor seating so the weather can be enjoyed well into the evening.
A five-night stay including flights departing from London Gatwick to Dalaman on July 20 returning on August 4 will set you back just £289pp.
Trabukos Beach Complex, Greece
Trabukos Beach Complex is an adult-only hotel near the party town of KavosCredit: Unknown
Found on the main strip of Kavos in Corfu is the adults-only Trabukos Beach Complex.
It’s close to the city centre and within walking distance from lots of bars and nightclubs.
The hotel itself has a pretty swimming pool, and some of the spacious rooms have their own balcony.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Manchester Airport to Corfu Airport on July 27 returning on August 1 will set you back just £260pp.
Hotel Cappelli, Italy
The Hotel Cappelli is a beautiful city break spot in Tuscany with deals from £245ppCredit: On the Beach
Hotel Cappelli in Tuscany is labelled the ‘go-to spot for a chilled-out city break‘.
There’s an outdoor pool, terrace, lush garden and when it’s time to eat, Ristorante Giulio serves up classic Italian dishes.
If the Italian heat gets too much, there a cosy TV lounge inside.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Stansted Airport to Pisa on July 30 returning on August 4 will set you back just £245pp – including breakfast.
NOTHING beats the pure joy of a family summer trip to a theme park or waterpark.
Except, of course, when you can stay there overnight for cheap and continue the thrills the next day.
Ride Mandrill Mayhem at Chessington World of Adventures and stay overnight on-siteCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAll three Butlin’s resorts have waterparks and fairgrounds, plus you can book a stay for under £3 per person a nightCredit: PA:Press Association
Waking up on the doorstep of world-class rollercoasters and giant wave pools makes a family getaway all the more magical – plus it means you can skip the drive home after a long day of fun.
From beach cabana-themed hotel rooms to seeing giraffes out of your window on safari stays, these theme parks and family resorts have fantastic accommodation options.
Here’s our pick of the best family breaks to book at the UK’s top theme parks and waterparks, with budget-friendly deals starting from an incredible £2.44 per person per night.
Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
Stay in the Caribbean-themed Splash Landings hotel at Alton TowersCredit: Alton Towers
Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire is a favourite among theme park fanatics, and it’s clear to see why.
The resort boasts world-class rollercoasters like Nemesis with its relentless G-force, and The Smiler, which holds the Guinness World Record for the rollercoaster with the most inversions.
But did you know that Alton Towers has its own waterpark and multiple hotels on-site, too?
While the resort’s woodland lodges, stargazing pods and luxury treehouses offer a fairytale-style escape, a stay at their Splash Landings hotel puts you on the doorstep of the on-site waterpark.
The Caribbean-inspired Splash Landings has playfully-styled family rooms, ranging from tropical beach hut themes to a unique ice cave room, and places you mere steps from the waterpark.
The hotel’s waterpark stretches both indoors and outdoors, and has bucketloads to do for families.
Thrill-seekers will love the Master Blaster water coaster, while those with little ones can relax in the gentle ‘Bubbly Wubbly pool’.
Stay at Alton Towers from £42pp
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For a bargain break, book Alton Towers’ Stay, Splash & Play offer
Butlin’s Bognor Regis has a Helter Skelter waterslide and seaside-themed ridesCredit: PA:Press Association
With three seaside resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, Butlin’s is a classic choice for a UK family getaway.
Entry to each resort’s waterpark, Splash Waterworld, is included in the price of a Butlin’s break.
With a theme that ‘brings the best of the British seaside inside’, at the Bognor Regis pool you’ll find a Helter Skelter waterslide and the Stick of Rock slides.
Meanwhile at Minehead, you can whirl around a huge space bowl, shoot down the speedy Blue Comet flume, or simply drift along the relaxing lazy river.
Over in Skegness, the waterpark boasts nearly 3,000 square metres of pool and play areas, which includes outdoor river rapids and a 60ft tall Vortex fast flume.
Not to mention each site has its own fairground, where access is also included in the price of your break.
Here you’ll find classic rides like carousels and waltzers all the way up to the Super Swing at Skegness, which drops you at a 27 degree angle.
Stay at Butlin’s from £2.44pp per night
Make use of the Butlin’s summer sale and save 30% on all 2026 breaks, including in the school summer holidays.
Deals start at £39 for a four night break for four people, which works out to £2.44pp per night.
You can even stay in a Capri-Sun-themed room at Chessington’s Safari HotelCredit: Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey is the ultimate choice for a high-energy family holiday.
The park is home to over 40 rides and attractions, including the hair-raising Vampire rollercoaster and the dizzying, spinning coaster Dragon’s Fury.
Exploring the World of Jumanji feels like stepping straight into a movie screen, where you can ride Mandrill Mayhem – the world’s only ‘launched wing coaster’ that rushes backwards and forwards past a giant jaguar.
The resort has two themed hotels located just a short walk from the theme park gates.
At the Safari Hotel, wake up and look out over the Wanyama Reserve, where you can watch giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam past your window.
Over at the Azteca Hotel, families can sleep inside a mystical jungle temple, with beautifully-decorated rooms that would make any kid feel like a real explorer. Some rooms even have slides inside.
Stay at Chessington World of Adventures from £35pp
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For the best value stay, book a short break in the Second Free Day summer sale.
This includes:
An overnight stay in a themed Chessington hotel, the Safari or Azteca, or a nearby partner hotel.
Two day theme park entry tickets (second day free).
Staying at the Big Blue Hotel puts you on the doorstep of Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Supplied
Blackpool‘s seafront theme park Pleasure Beach boasts legendary coasters like the Big One, which drops brave riders from a staggering 213ft, and Aviktas, a new gyro-swing ride which opened earlier this summer.
Little ones aren’t left out either, thanks to the dedicated Nickelodeon Land, where they can ride the Rugrats Lost River and meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.
To turn your theme park day into a weekend stay, the four-star Big Blue Hotel sits right on the edge of the park and offers a stylish and family-friendly place to retreat to.
Many hotel rooms offer breathtaking, front-seat views of the rollercoasters swooping past.
Plus the hotel even has its own private entrance to Pleasure Beach, and offers free theme park tickets from Sundays to Fridays.
Here you’re also only 10 minutes’ walk from Sandcastle Waterpark, with 18 waterslides and a tropical climate.
Stay at the Big Blue Hotel, Pleasure Beach Resort from £35pp
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Booking.com offer double rooms at The Big Blue Hotel – Blackpool Pleasure Beach from £70 per night, working out to £35pp.
Legoland Windsor Resort has three on-site hotels including the Castle HotelCredit: Arne Müller
Legoland is absolutely packed with immersive lands and kid-friendly rides – plus the on-site hotels and waterpark are just the cherry on top.
Soar through the air on Flight of the Sky Lion in Lego Mythica land, or race against a pal on the high-speed Minifigure Speedway coaster.
But the adventure doesn’t end when the theme park gates close, thanks to the resort’s spectacular themed hotels.
At the Legoland Resort Hotel, you can sleep inside fully immersive rooms styled around Lego Pirates, Ninjago, or Kingdom adventures.
At the luxurious Castle Hotel, choose between mystical wizard and brave knight suites.
There is also the tranquil Woodland Village, which offers a relaxed escape in cosy lodges (yes, these also fit the Lego theme) and circular camping barrels.
The resort also has several outdoor splash zones that are perfect for a sunny day.
Over in DUPLO Valley, kids can tackle Drench Towers – the largest water play structure in the UK packed with colourful slides and tipping buckets.
Splash Safari, on the other hand, has interactive water jets and large DUPLO animal figures that are perfect for little ones.
Stay at Legoland Windsor Resort from £60pp
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Book an overnight stay with breakfast at the Lego Woodland Village with two-day theme park tickets included from £150.
Stay at TLH Leisure Resort in Devon to be close to Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s biggest outdoor waterparkCredit: Google maps
While not strictly on-site, sunny Devon‘s TLH Leisure Resort has four mega hotels to pick from, and is just 10 minutes from the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.
The TLH Derwent Hotel is the biggest, with the Starlight Lounge providing sparkling evening entertainment like cabaret and bingo nights.
The TLH Victoria Hotel is an elegant option with two large ballrooms, and it regularly hosts dance stays and evening soirées.
The TLH Carlton Hotel is home to the Aztec Spa, with multiple swimming pools, a gym, and pampering treatments like Elemis facials and deep-tissue massage.
While at the hotel you’ll have access to both indoor and outdoor pools, plus the spa with its sauna, hot tub and steam room, the waterpark here is just down the road in Paignton.
Splashdown Quaywest is the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, and it sits next door to the golden sands of Goodrington beach.
The waterpark has adrenaline-pumping slides like the Devil’s Drop, where you plummet 65ft down into a black hole, and The Screamer, a high-speed slide that will take your breath away.
Plus kids will love clambering and climbing around Shipwreck Island – a new, giant themed play area in the water.
Stay at TLH Leisure Resort from £31pp
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Double rooms at TLH Leisure Resort hotels are available from £65 per night.
Family rooms, which sleep up to three, are available from £94 per night, working out to roughly £31pp per night.
YOU don’t need to empty your pockets to visit big-name theme parks and resorts this summer.
Especially not when these major UK attractions are offering free extra return tickets and 89p admission for kids.
Take a trip to Legoland Windsor Resort this summer and claim a FREE ticket to come back again
We’ve rounded up the very best offers at popular resorts like Alton Towers, Chessington, Legoland and Butlin’s that you can book this school summer holidays.
From half-price entry offers to kids tickets for less than £1, here are the ultimate theme park bargains for summer 2026.
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Legoland Windsor Resort
Legoland are running a summer promotion that lets you unlock an extra day of theme park fun for the price of a single ticket.
There is an absolute mountain of things to do at this resort to keep both little ones thrill-seekers happy all day long.
Tackle the park’s 55 rides and live shows, marvel at the Lego models in Miniland, or let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the brick-building zones.
While trying to cram the entire resort into a single day can feel like a mad rush, knowing you can return means you can relax and take in the park at your own pace.
The best part about this offer is that the free ticket you unlock doesn’t have to be used only at Legoland.
You can also redeem your free ticket for a trip to Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers or Thorpe Park instead.
Book your tickets to Legoland Windsor Resort from £29.75pp+ claim an extra FREE return ticket
Gulliver’s Theme Parks
Wowcher are offering tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Parks this summer for £12.50Credit: Gulliver’s
Save a massive 48% off a trip to a Gulliver’s Theme Park this summer at any of their four theme parks: Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath, or Warrington.
With this Wowcher deal families can bag a ticket for £12.50 each, nearly halving the cost of buying a ticket direct for £25.
Whether you want to conquer the dizzying Gyrosaur, board the Rocky Ridge Railway, or meet live animals at the farm park, there’s plenty to do across all locations.
Throw in completely free parking and free entry for toddlers under 90cm, and you’ve got an affordable school holiday treat for the family.
Book your tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Parks for £12.50pp
Alton Towers Resort
Visit Alton Towers then claim a free ticket to return – or use it at Chessington, Legoland and moreCredit: Supplied
Alton Towers is slashing the cost of a visit this school summer holidays with two theme park visits for the price of one.
The sprawling theme park is packed with world-class, white-knuckle rollercoasters for adrenaline junkies, alongside family-friendly rides like the new Bluey kids coaster.
There’s also exciting events this summer, such as the Minecraft Meet the Mobs from July 18 – August 28 plus the Bluey live experience with meet and greet, running throughout the summer.
To get the offer, make sure to claim the deal before July 27 and save your ticket and barcode from your first visit. Then you can claim yourself another visit to Alton Towers, or a free trip to Legoland, Chessington or Thorpe Park.
Book your tickets to Alton Towers resort from £29.75 + claim an extra FREE return ticket
Flamingo Land
Head to Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire with discounted tickets from £29 this summerCredit: Alamy
Families heading to North Yorkshire this summer can slash up to 50% off their day out at Flamingo Land Resort thanks to a Wowcher deal.
Here you’ll find hair-raising rollercoasters like the 10-inversion Sik Coaster and the lightning-fast Velocity motorbike ride, which launches from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds.
Smaller thrill-seekers in tow can explore the Peter Rabbit Adventure, brave the river rapids, or take a quick break from the rides to stroll the zoo.
Tickets can be used on any date until November and start at £29pp, plus there are extra discounts available if you purchase multiple tickets. For example, if you book for a group of six you will save an extra £18 on top of the deal, while groups of four can save an extra £19.
Book your tickets to Flamingo Land from £29pp
Chessington World of Adventures
You could visit World of Paw Patrol on your trip to Chessington World of AdventureCredit: PA
Visitors can test their nerve by hurtling backwards on the terrifying Mandrill Mayhem in the World of Jumanji, or fly through the treetops on the popular Vampire coaster.
You could even tick off the World of Paw Patrol, a colourful themed land new for 2026 with gentle rides such as Chase’s Mountain Mission.
To claim the deal, buy a ticket online before July 27 to snap up a free return ticket that is valid for visits until September 25. As part of a combined summer promotion, you could also use your tickets at Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, or Legoland Windsor instead.
Book your tickets to Chessington World of Adventures from £29.75 + claim an extra FREE return ticket
Butlin’s
Bag a last-minute kids day ticket to Butlin’s this July for 89p – or enjoy 15% off in the summer holsCredit: butlins
Kids can bag a day visit to Butlin’s for 85p when visiting with a full-paying adult this summer, plus under 2’s go free.
This means that for one adult and one child, your entire family day out would cost a total of £19.85.
A day pass drops you straight into the action with unlimited turns on the traditional fairground rides and access to massive outdoor play areas.
You can also pack your swimsuits and tackle the flumes and wave pools at the subtropical Splash Waterworld, before catching a live daytime stage show starring the kids’ favourite characters.
Available across their Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness resorts, it’s a ridiculously cheap way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out.
Make sure to get in quick, because this offer is only available until July 16. However, from then, day tickets during the school summer holidays will be discounted by 15%.
Book your day tickets to Butlin’s – with kids tickets from 89p
*Prices correct at the time of publication.Terms and conditions apply.