Travel Deals

FINDING a London hotel room that isn’t the size of a shoe box and is actually affordable can be a real challenge.

Luckily, I’ve done my research and have found an underrated hotel that hides a secret bargain.

This stay offers suite-sized rooms for a very reasonable £65 – which is less than what you’d pay for those broom cupboard-sized rooms in the city centre.

Not only that, but the hotel has great connections into Central London, plus has attractions like the Minecraft Experience and The Legend of the Titanic exhibition less than 10 minutes away.

Throw in unlimited free ferry rides across the river to Canary Wharf, and it might just be the best-kept budget hotel hack in the capital.

Here’s everything you need to know about a&o London Docklands Riverside.

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Where is a&o London Docklands Riverside?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is in Rotherhithe, which sits directly opposite swanky London finance district Canary Wharf.

A stay here even comes with free ferry tickets to cross over the river and reach Canary Wharf in a matter of minutes.

You can take the ferry as many times as you’d like during your stay. Ferries come every 15-20 minutes, and run daily until around 11pm.

The easiest way to get to the hotel via public transport is by taking the underground to Canada Water, and then walking around 10 minutes to reach the hotel.

What is the hotel like?

This is a no faff, no-frills spot which makes for the perfect budget-friendly base on a trip to London.

The building is a restored 17th century wharf warehouse, bringing a touch of the area’s maritime history to your stay – but all of the amenities here are super modern.

Everything here is designed for efficiency – the check-in process is quick and easy, there are vending machines throughout with snacks, drinks and toiletries, and reception are on-hand 24 hours a day to help.

There’s an indoor bar and lounge area, plus an outdoor ‘Urban Beach’ bar with plenty of parasol-topped tables for soaking up the sun in the warmer weather.

What are the rooms like?

This London stay offers the ultimate room hack – entire suite-sized rooms from just £65 per night.

a&o London Docklands Riverside used to be a Hilton Doubletree hotel, however since a&o took over ownership, you can snag a large room for a shockingly low price.

This is because some rooms here which were once sold as King Junior Suites are now being sold for the price of a regular double room.

This means that you could bag an entire suite with a big double bed, lounge area with a sofa, desk to work from and even a balcony overlooking the Thames for just £65 per night.

That works out to only £32.50pp per night (almost unheard of for a Central London hotel).

Prices vary depending on the time of year you visit, so if you want to bag this price, make sure to look for off-peak season stays such as weekdays in the winter.

As this accommodation is owned by a&o hostels, there are actually dorm rooms on offer here, too.

If you’re a seasoned traveller that doesn’t mind sharing a room, you could bag a stay here from as little as £19 per night – perfect if you just want a place to crash after a concert or event.

What is there to eat and drink?

Breakfast here is served buffet-style with all the usual suspects – eggs, sausage, bacon, cereals – plus a pancake machine with Nutella and maple syrup.

It’s definitely worth heading out into the city to grab lunch and dinner, as London is full of amazing restaurants inspired by all sorts of cuisines.

Cross the river into Canary Wharf and you’ll soon spot Big Easy – a huge, American-style BBQ restaurant that sits on top of the underground station, with huge neon signage that reflects onto the water below.

Here you can feast on steak, ribs, fries, corn on the cob and more, all lathered in thick barbecue sauce. Messy, but so delicious.

What else is there to do there?

When you’re out in Canary Wharf, make sure to book in a session at Fairgame.

Head towards the giant yellow rubber duck on the waterfront and behind it you’ll find a playground for grown-ups.

Inside there’s street food-style stalls, a bar serving crazy cocktails and, most importantly, loads of fairground-style games like whack-a-mole and basketball hoop-shooting.

If you’ve got kids with you, or just fancy a wholesome day out, hop on the DLR to Mudchute Farm.

Here you’ll find a farm with a surreal feel, where you can see alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens and more grazing grasses backed by London skyscrapers.

There’s even a community garden on-site where you can get stuck in and lend a hand planting flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Is it family friendly?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is family-friendly, with private, family-sized rooms and even pram hire from reception.

The hotel also has dog-friendly rooms, with a fee of £13 per pet per day.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is accessible with step-free access onto the property and elevators to reach the rooms.

Make sure to mention any specific needs you may have upon booking.

BOOKING a last minute holiday can often work out a heck of a lot cheaper than booking a break in advance.

As hotels want to fill their rooms and entice guests, prices often plummet the closer you get to take-off – meaning savvy holidaymakers can secure some of the best deals.

Loveholidays is currently offering hundreds of last-minute breaks in spots like Zante, Spain and Turkey that will save you hundreds when compared to peak season prices.

Here’s our selection of the best-value last minute breaks on Loveholidays, where hols taking off in the next two months are going for crazy cheap.

Zante

The Perkes Hotel is perched on the coastline of Laganas, a lively beach resort with a sweeping sandy bay and access to some of the island’s best nightlife.

Bag yourself a last-minute break to the Greek island to hop on a turtle boat tour or take a dip in its signature electric-blue waters.

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This hotel is just a stone’s throw from the sea, five minutes from popular main beach Laganas Beach, and a 15 minute drive from the island’s charming old town.

We found a seven night all inclusive stay with flights at the Perkes Hotel for £309pp this September. Or click here to browse all last minute Zante deals.

Book a 7 night all inclusive holiday to Zante from £309pp

The Algarve

Save £214 on this stay at Portugal‘s Ukino Terrace Algarve Concept Hotel – rated one of the ‘most loved’ on the Loveholidays website.

Considering how affordable it is to stay here, this hotel is well and truly glam.

The whitewashed, modern hotel building overlooks the palm tree-lined outdoor pool, where adults can kick back on a sleek white lounger while kids burn off their energy at the kids club.

Here you’re only a five-minute walk from a gorgeous, sandy beach, a short stroll from local bars and restaurants, and 20 minutes’ drive from the Zoomarine theme park.

We found a seven night self catering stay with flights at the Ukino Terrace Algarve Concept Hotel from £239pp in September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Algarve deals.

Book a 7 night self catering stay in the Algarve from £239pp

Antalya

Fancy an all inclusive stay at a Turkish five-star hotel for under 300 quid per person? You’ll want to bag this last-minute deal.

Antalya’s Sun Star Resort sits on the Turkish Riviera in the resort of Mahmutlar, where the stunning Taurus Mountains overlook the glimmering turquouise sea.

This hotel has its own private beach, multiple outdoor pools and even its very own waterpark – so there’s no need to leave site if you just want to fly and flop.

But if you do fancy getting out and about, there’s vibrant bars, cafes and restaurants plus exciting local markets all within walking distance.

We found an all inclusive holiday including flights to Sun Star Resort from £299 in September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Antalya deals.

Book a 7 night all inclusive 5* holiday to Antalya for £299pp

Tunisia – £259 + FREE child stays

Not only does this Tunisia holiday save you £107 when compared to peak prices, but you can also bag a free kids’ place.

The Golf Residence Hotel in Port el Kantaoui is a sprawling four-star resort with multiple pools, bars, restaurants and even its own on-site spa.

Plus if you’re visiting as a family, there’s a kids club, kids pool and an action-packed entertainment program to make use of.

Nearby, take a swing at El Kantaoui Golf Course or zip down waterslides at Acqua Palace Water Park.

We found a half-board stay at the Golf Residence Hotel with flights included for £259pp this September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Tunisia deals.

Book a 7 night half-board holiday to Tunisia from £259pp

Costa del Sol – £159pp

Last minute holidays to this charming Costa del Sol hotel are £210 below peak price, meaning you can soak up that September sun for a fraction of the cost.

The Village Terrazas Costa del Sol is a relaxed retreat in Manilva, where stylish apartments are surrounded by pretty courtyards dotted with fountains and ponds.

There’s two large outdoor pools here, plus a kids pool, kids club and playground.

Spend your days drifting between the pool, the beach and afternoon games of table tennis or billiards.

We found a five night self catering stay with flights from £159pp this September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Costa del Sol deals.

Book a 5 night self catering holiday to the Costa del Sol from £159pp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click below to browse offers at City Cruises

Prices correct at the time of publication.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach

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

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

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

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

Hayling Island Holiday Park

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

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

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

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

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

Skirlington Coast

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

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

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

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

St Ives Bay Beach Resort

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay

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

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

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

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

AUGUST is traditionally seen as the sacred month for the big family holiday.

But a growing number of savvy parents are taking one look at the summer holiday mark-ups and deciding that October half-term will do very nicely instead.

When I dug into the data, I spotted a huge trend among families who originally searched for an August getaway but ultimately booked October instead.

The maths is simple: lower package prices, far better hotel availability and no daily battles for the final poolside lounger.

In the Mediterranean and North Africa, the heat becomes significantly more bearable too – still plenty warm enough for swimming, but without feeling as though you’re stepping into an industrial oven every time you leave the air-conditioned lobby.

So, I crunched the numbers and mapped out seven major hotspots where families are saving up to a third on their bill by choosing October over August. Here’s where the smart money is going…

7. Hurghada, Egypt – 12.4% cheaper

Even the smallest saving on our list leaves a serious amount of cash back into your bank account.

October half-term packages to Hurghada are around 12% cheaper than peak August departures and, if I’m honest, the autumn weather is far better suited to children.

Hurghada in August is brutally hot – the pavement turns walking barefoot around the pool into an interpretive dance – whereas October serves up comfortable temperatures of 32°C and a sea that sits at a balmy 27°C.

You can book five nights all-inclusive at the four-star Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa from £625pp, based on a family of four flying on 27 October.

This hotel’s brilliant too, with its private lagoon beach set-up.

They run a free, continuous pontoon-boat shuttle straight to its private stretch of sand, giving you access to a world-class snorkelling spot away from the busier public beaches.

Book a holiday: Hurghada

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa from 27 October, with return flights, for £625pp.

BOOK HERE

6. Antalya, Turkey – 20.2% cheaper

Antalya was the runaway favourite among families switching from August to October, accounting for 14% of all our autumn switchers, and a 20.2% price drop explains why.

For a family of four or five, taking a fifth off the total package price saves hundreds of pounds instantly.

The intense August heat gives way to a perfect 26°C, keeping the sea warm enough for swimming while making local day trips much more enjoyable.

I spotted five nights at the four-star, all-inclusive Sun Star Beach Hotel in Alanya from £405pp, based on a family of four departing from London Gatwick on 25 October.

The location of this hotel isn’t right on the beach, but its underground beach tunnel takes care of that problem for families.

It leads directly from the main pool deck, beneath the coastal road and straight onto the sand, meaning you don’t have to navigate busy resort traffic with toddlers in tow.

Book a holiday: Antalya

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach Hotel from 25 October, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £405pp.

BOOK HERE

5. Majorca, Spain – 22.9% cheaper

Nearly 1 in 10 families making the seasonal switch chose Majorca, securing a huge 22.9% saving compared with August prices.

Majorca remains a stress-free staple because it’s familiar, the flights are short and the resorts are purpose-built for effortless parenting.

October temperatures average a comfortable 24°C, which is ideal for beach days without the suffocating peak-summer humidity.

I tracked down five nights at the four-star Hotel Mariant Park in S’Illot from £340pp, based on a family of four flying directly from East Midlands Airport on 25 October on an all-inclusive basis.

The standout perk at this property is its location between two beaches – you’re a flat, three-minute walk from both S’Illot and Sa Coma beaches, giving you easy access to sheltered, shallow water for young paddlers.

Book a holiday: Majorca

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Hotel Mariant Park from 25 October, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £340pp.

BOOK HERE

4. Costa Dorada, Spain – 25.9% cheaper

Ditching August for October in the Costa Dorada cuts holiday costs by almost 26%.

This region is a huge hit with children because it combines golden beaches with Spain’s biggest theme park, PortAventura World.

October brings the daytime temperature down to a comfortable 23°C, which is infinitely better for walking around a theme park all day than queueing in 35°C August heat.

You can get five nights all-inclusive at the 4-star Ohtels Les Oliveres in El Perelló from £268pp, based on a family of four flying directly from London Stansted on 25 October.

And this hotel’s great for families in October with its huge indoor heated pool and spa area, giving you a built-in, weatherproof back-up plan if you get a cooler autumn afternoon.

Book a holiday: Costa Dorada

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Ohtels Les Oliveres from 25 October, with return flights from London Stansted, for £268pp.

BOOK HERE

3. Costa Blanca, Spain – 26% cheaper

Tied for the second-biggest saving on our radar is the Costa Blanca, where an October half-term holiday is a huge 26% cheaper than during the peak summer period.

On a typical £3,000 summer booking, that saving keeps almost £800 in your pocket.

Flight times from the UK are short, transfer options are effortless and competition among local resorts keeps hotel prices fiercely competitive.

I found five nights at the three-star Port Denia Hotel from £318pp, for a family of four staying all-inclusive too, with flights from London Stansted on 25 October.

And the top feature here is its location at the foot of Montgó Natural Park.

You get a quiet, tree-lined pool setting just 50 metres from La Marineta Cassiana beach, giving you a calm, shallow bay for young children without the noise of a high-rise resort.

Book a holiday: Costa Blanca

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Port Denia Hotel from 25 October, with return flights from London Stansted, for £318pp.

BOOK HERE

2. Costa del Sol, Spain – 26% cheaper

Matching the Costa Blanca with a 26% saving is the Costa del Sol.

In August, these resorts are packed to capacity and carry a hefty peak-season price-spike.

By October, the crowds have dispersed, the temperature has cooled to an easy 23°C and exploring nearby places such as Malaga or Marbella is an absolute breeze.

I found five nights all-inclusive at the four-star Bakour Oh Nice Costa del Sol in Estepona from £315pp, for a family of four flying directly from East Midlands Airport.

And, for me, what makes this place a brilliant base is its traditional, low-rise Andalusian village layout.

The rooms are spread across quiet, subtropical garden courtyards rather than housed in a sterile hotel block, giving families plenty of space to relax. Bliss.

Book a holiday: Costa del Sol

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Bakour Oh Nice Costa del Sol from 25 October, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £315pp.

BOOK HERE

1. The Algarve, Portugal – 33.1% cheaper

Taking the crown for the biggest seasonal saving is the Algarve, where families can cut their package bill by a staggering 33% simply by moving their holiday to October.

August is peak season in southern Portugal, driving hotel rates through the roof.

By autumn, those same clifftop resorts have cut their prices by a third while still offering temperatures of 23°C and peaceful beaches.

You can book five nights at the four-star Muthu Clube Praia da Oura in Albufeira from £355pp, based on a family of four flying from Bristol on 25 October and, once again, this deal is all-inclusive.

The ultimate insider perk at this property is its direct, private sloping access to Praia da Oura beach.

You can step straight out of the tropical pool gardens and onto the golden sand, bypassing the steep coastal steps that usually make beach trips with buggies a nightmare.

Book a holiday: the Algarve

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Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Muthu Clube Praia da Oura from 25 October, with return flights from Bristol, for £355pp.

BOOK HERE

YOU could be sunning it up on a beach right now, cocktail in hand with 28C sunshine – all for the price of a three-course dinner in London.

Wowcher‘s £99 beach break deal lets you spend two nights abroad, and will even throw in your return flights.

The £99 European Beach or City Break lets you pick from a number of destinations across Europe, from seaside destinations to popular city breaks.

For example, why not spend the weekend in the Algarve with a glass of Portuguese wine?

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Or head to Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach, known for being one of Europe’s most affordable seaside resorts?

Of course, some of the other classic destinations include the Costa del Sol , Costa Blanca and Costa Brava in Spain, as well as both Lake Como and Lake Garda in Italy and St Paul’s Bay in Malta.

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Each of the Wowcher £99 deals include two nights at a two or three-star hotel, as well as return flights from UK airports.

These include London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester.

If the beach isn’t calling you and you want a bit of culture, the holiday deal also includes two-night city break stays instead.

Fourteen iconic cities across Europe (along with Morocco) are included, which are:

• Athens
• Barcelona
• Berlin
• Bratislava
• Bucharest
• Budapest
• Krakow
• Marrakech
• Milan
• Prague
• Venice
• Warsaw

The deals are perfect for everything from “romantic weekends to friends splitting the cost to see somewhere new”.

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Not only that, but they are also a great way to try out a city for the first time to “dip your toe” before committing to a longer holiday there.

Each booking includes a minimum of 40 hours in the destination, with basic hand luggage included depending on the airline.

You might even get a free upgrade to a four-star hotel, with every purchase of the £99 holiday entered into the draw.

Lots of dates are available, although some Fridays and school holiday dates are not.

Each booking must include two vouchers as the bookings are based on two adults sharing.

WANT to get the best value out of your cruise – and explore gems on both sides of the pond?

Transatlantic repositioning cruises offer just that.

As cruise companies relocate their ships from Europe to the Caribbean and beyond for winter warmth, you can get some amazing deals.

Combining a few ports of call on each side of the Atlantic, as well as some extended sea days, these one-way sailings offer the best of both worlds, with port days and plenty of time to relax at sea.

And cruise lines often offer really competitive prices – or throw in extras such as free drinks or tips – to tempt holidaymakers on board.

Lisa Minot has the lowdown on six great transatlantic sailings.

SEGWAY TO GO

The Greek-Turkey cruise with swimming turtles, Broadway shows & Thai massages

CRUISE CONTROL

I took my daughter on Euro river cruise – visiting 4 countries in one week

DEFINITELY KNOT YOUR AVERAGE CROSSING

You’ll get a free all-in package, with alcoholic drinks, wifi and tips, worth more than £1,000pp on Windstar Cruises’ Knot Your Average Crossing from Lisbon to Barbados.

Departing Portugal on November 10, 2026, on this 14-night non-stop voyage on the 148-guest sailing ship Wind Star, guests can step up to the flying bridge to take the helm, and learn age-old seamanship skills.

There are talks on legendary explorers and pirates and you can learn to read charts, tie sailor’s knots and even navigate the vessel alongside the ship’s officers.

Prices start from £2,682pp, including all meals, drinks and activities.

See windstarcruises.com.

MIAMI SPICE

You can save 50 per cent off the original fare sailing on Oceania Marina’s transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami.

Departing November 25, 2026, the 15-day sailing offers the chance to enjoy port days in Spain and the Caribbean.

You will enjoy calls at Valencia, Alicante, Malaga and Funchal in Madeira before crossing the Atlantic and calling at San Juan in Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

Oceania cruise fares include speciality dining, tips, free wifi plus a choice of wine and beer by the glass or shore excursion credits.

This sailing is now on sale from £1,415, down from £3,629.

Book by September 8 at oceaniacruises.com.

GOING SOUTH

Transatlantic sailings don’t have to end in North America.

With Celebrity Cruises’ sailing onboard Celebrity Equinox you’ll enjoy calls in Brazil and Argentina after your ocean adventures.

Departing Barcelona on November 19, 2026, you’ll explore Tangier in Morocco before your South American odyssey, calling at Salvador de Bahia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

You’ll visit Montevideo, Uruguay before arriving in Buenos Aires.

Popular excursions include a Moroccan Tea and Bread experience in Tangier, Carnival Behind the Scenes with Dance Lesson in Rio and a birdwatching trip in the Wetlands west of Montevideo.

Prices start from £699pp, including full-board and entertainment.

See celebritycruises.com.

FIT FOR A QUEEN

This cracking transatlantic deal on Cunard’s Queen Anne includes a stay in Miami and return flights.

Departing Southampton on January 10, 2027, this 15-night trip includes 12 nights onboard as well as a two-night hotel stay in Miami.

It includes calls at Hamilton, Bermuda, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale before you dock in Miami for your 4H hotel stay.

Onboard, all meals, afternoon tea, theatre shows and gym are included.

It’s from £1,159pp.

See seascanner.co.uk.

THE MIGHTY QUINN

Enjoy shows by actor, singer and dancer Ray Quinn, on P&O Cruises’ flagship Arvia as it sails from Southampton to the Caribbean.

The X Factor finalist and Dancing On Ice winner will be performing in The Limelight Club throughout the sailing, which departs October 23.

The 15-night sailing includes calls at Santa Cruz, Tenerife, before the delights of Philipsburg in St Maarten, St Kitts, Castries in St Lucia and finally Barbados.

The fare, from £945pp, includes return flights. See iglucruise.com.

HOMEWARD BOUND

With Holland America, you can sail to Blighty from Florida.

The 12-night sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 4, 2027 and calls at Kings Wharf, Bermuda, before a relaxing seven days sailing.

There’s plenty to do on the Nieuw Statendam, with its Music Walk district featuring sophisticated live venues including BB King’s Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room.

The ship will call at Portland for Weymouth before arriving in Dover.

Prices are from just £819pp.

With their Have It All package, from £1,599pp, you also get a drinks package, wifi, tips, speciality dining and two shore excursions.

See hollandamerica.com for details.

THIS travel club can save you a whole lot of money when going on holiday – and Sun readers can try it out for just £1.

Ever wanted to swap those noisy airport cafes and hard airport seats for somewhere a little more comfy and relaxed, where free food and drink is flowing?

Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1

For £1, you could bypass the airport chaos entirely and kick back in a stylish, comfy airport lounge with ice-cold drinks, super-fast Wi-Fi and somewhere to put your feet up

Travelzoo are a money-saving club where members can bag a load of travel benefits, including free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.

The membership costs £30 for the year, which is already a steal.

But Sun readers can bag a 30 day free trial for only £1 by clicking here.

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So before your next holiday, you could be chilling in an airport lounge with bottomless food and drinks (including alcohol) in exchange for that quid rattling around in your pocket.

We all know the dreaded feeling. You’ve dragged your bags through the terminal, braved the queues, and finally made it to the gate – only to look up at the screen and see the dreaded words: DELAYED.

Suddenly, you’re searching for a seat in a packed airport terminal, clutching a soggy-yet-expensive airport sandwich.

But if you’re a Travelzoo member, you get access to over 1,600 lounges across 500+ airports in more than 100 countries.

The way this works is simple. When your flight is delayed by one hour or more, you get airport lounge tickets automatically sent to you by email or text.

Inside these stylish lounges you’ll find things like private and comfy seating, free Wi-Fi and charging points, and even showers, desks and sleep pods in some locations.

Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1

You’ll also get complimentary food and drink, which includes alcohol.

So even if your flight is delayed for multiple hours, you know you’ll have access to good-quality food, drinks and even somewhere to nap.

“As soon as I got the delay notification from Delta, I received an email with lounge pass PDFs” writes one Travelzoo member, Holly.

“Our flight ended up being delayed six times and the lounge pass was a lifesaver.

“This lounge had free food, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, etc. It was worth it!”.

Another member, Angela, said she used it at London Heathrow after a delayed flight saga.

She said: “Travelzoo notified me of our delay and sent vouchers to a lounge that was way better than the one my credit card had.”

Usually, access to these airport lounges would require an elite membership status with an airline, or an expensive day pass.

However you can access these lounges with Travelzoo no matter who you are flying with, even with economy class tickets.

Airport lounge day passed typically cost between £30 – £40, whereas a Travelzoo membership costs £30 for an entire year.

That means just one delayed flight would justify the cost of an entire year’s membership.

You could easily spend over £30 on meals and drinks for the family in the airport Wetherspoons, but instead you’ll have your own less-crowded, more comfy zone with access to all the snacks and drinks you’ll need.

Best of all, you can register up to three travel companions on your itinerary for free – meaning your family or mates get the VIP treatment right alongside you.

Travelzoo members don’t just get airport lounge benefits – they also get access to super cheap holidays.

There are members-only sales and hand-picked holiday deals that give members access to some of the best holiday bargains out there.

For example, members can bag Benidorm package holidays for £179pp, a two-night staycation for two in Northumberland for £89, or a charming English inn stay for £59.

Members will be alerted when flash holiday sales go live, and can bag these exclusive discounts before anyone else.

Sun readers can try Travelzoo for 30 days for just £1 by clicking the button below.

Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1

Prices correct at the time of publication.

YOU don’t need a huge holiday budget to jet off on an amazing European city break.

With flights from £13.99 each way and hotel rooms from under £40 a night, a weekend escape to Spain, Italy, or France can easily cost less than a big night out at home.

Whether you fancy sipping €3 (£2.50) wine by the river in Porto, grabbing fresh beachside tapas in Malaga, or drinking in views from a 360-degree rotating bar in Tirana, you can do it all while on a budget.

Here are the best bargain European city breaks you can book right now for under £18 a flight, with ridiculously cheap hotel stays to match.

Lyon, France

Bag a cheap city break to Lyon where you can sip a drink on a floating bar at the River Banks, wander Renaissance-era cobblestone streets in Old Lyon, and sample some of the best food in France.

Known as the food capital of France, it isn’t hard to find somewhere good to eat here – even on a budget.

Head to Marronniers Street at lunchtime and take your pick of Bouchons, which are traditional, local restaurants serving high-quality authentic meals for as little as €10 (£8.50).

You can fly to Lyon with Wizz Air from £17.99 each way. Sometimes the return flight from Lyon can be as low as £13.99.

The People Lyon offers rooms from £37 a night. The building used to be a secondary school, and has now become a vibrant spot for people to sit and enjoy views of the Fourvière Basilica.

Milan, Italy

While famous for high fashion and luxury, Milan is surprisingly easy to do on a budget if you know where to look.

The city’s aperitivo culture is ideal for inexpensive light snacking and drinking – especially in the vibrant, canal-side district of Navigli.

Soak up world-class architecture for free by wandering through the mall Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admiring Sforzesco Castle, and of course taking in the views of the famous Milan Cathedral.

With super cheap flights, an affordable metro system and plenty to do for free once you’re there, you can book a city break to Milan knowing it won’t dent your wallet.

You can fly to Milan with Ryanair from £14.99 each way.

The Glam Hotel Milano has rooms from £50 a night, and is a modern hotel directly opposite the train station.

Malaga, Spain

Far more than a typical getaway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a vibrant, sun-soaked city full of Andalusian culture.

Dining out is wonderfully cheap, with beachside bars serving fresh sardine skewers for only a few euros, alongside plenty of low-cost tapas spots.

Sightseeing costs next to nothing thanks to free Sunday afternoon entry to art museums and historic sites like the Alcazaba fortress.

Pair that with beach days and scenic hikes to the Gibralfaro viewpoint, and you’ve got yourself a very affordable few days away.

You can fly to Malaga with Wizz Air from £17.99 each way.

Rooms at funky capsule hotel Futurotel Malaga start from £59.

Porto, Portugal

Cheap wine, unique architecture, amazing city viewpoints – Porto is the ideal pick for a walkable city break packed with affordable things to do.

Spend a day strolling through the Ribeira District where medieval colourful houses and charming cafes line the riverfront.

Another top free sight is to watch the sun set behind the huge steel Dom Luis I Bridge from the Jardmin do Morro, to the sound of local street musicians.

As for cheap wine, pop into neighbourhood tascas for a bite to eat and a drink – here you can enjoy local wine by the jug for €3.50 (£3)!

You can fly to Porto with Ryanair from as little as £13.99 each way.

The ever-reliable ibis budget Porto Gaia has rooms from £55 a night.

Tirana, Albania

Tirana is easily one of Europe’s most underrated and budget-friendly capitals, buzzing with pastel-painted buildings and an amazing coffee culture.

You can explore giant, Communist-era nuclear bunkers turned underground art museums at Bunk’Art, or catch a cheap cable car ride up Mount Dajti for sweeping views across the valley.

Nights are best spent in the trendy Blloku district – a neighbourhood once off-limits to locals as it was an restricted zone for communist regime leaders – now it’s open to everyone with lively cocktail lounges and traditional grill houses that serve up dishes and drinks for pocket change.

You can fly to Tirana with Wizz Air from £17.99 each way.

The four-star Sky Hotel Tirana has rooms from £38 per night, and is home to the largest rotating bar in the Balkans.

The revolving rooftop bar completes a 360° turn every hour, giving you sweeping city and mountain views alongside your meal.

Dublin, Ireland

When you can hop over to Dublin on a £14.99 hour-long flight, this might just be the quickest and easiest city break to tick off in a weekend.

While Temple Bar is certainly worth a visit to walk its pretty cobbled streets and grab a pic outside the famous red pub, save your pint of Guinness for elsewhere.

Head to South William Street to find cheaper beer at spots like Pygmalion and Grogan’s, where all the atmosphere comes from taking your pint back out into the street to listen to buskers.

For an affordable yet delicious lunch, head to Pablo Picante. Dublin has a huge burrito culture, and this Mexican chain offers well-stuffed wraps that will keep you full all day from €10.75 (£9.20).

You can fly to Dublin with Ryanair from £14.99 each way.

Stay at the Wetherspoons-owned Keaven’s Port Hotel from £82 per night. The hotel sits on Camden Street, which packed with some of the city’s best bars, pubs and clubs.

Alicante, Spain

With year-round warmth and 300 days of sunshine per year, Alicante is a solid bet when it comes to booking a sunny Spanish city break.

Spend your days wandering the whitewashed, flower-filled lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, or taking in sweeping Mediterranean views from the hilltop Santa Barbara Castle for free.

Eating well can be remarkably cheap if you visit Mercado Central for fresh tapas, or tuck into authentic regional paellas at backstreet neighbourhood bars.

You can fly to Alicante with Ryanair from £14.99 each way.

You can book a stay at the Travelodge Alicante Puerto from £39 per night, which is conveniently located a short walk from Alicante Harbour and the Explanada de España.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Seal Bay Resort, Selsey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unity Beach

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

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

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

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

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

Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Sands, Rhyl

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newquay Bay Holiday Resort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex

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

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

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

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

Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough

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

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

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

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

Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where is The Hoste Arms?

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

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

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

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

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What is the hotel like?

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

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

What are the rooms like?

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

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

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

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

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

What is there to eat and drink?

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

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

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

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

What else is there to do there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it family friendly?

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

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

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

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

Is the hotel accessible?

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

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

BEFORE I had kids, my holiday checklist was blissfully simple: how far is the pool, is it near a beach and, more importantly, how far will I have to carry four pints back from the bar?

Now I’m a dad to two kids under two, the goalposts have been shifted completely.

My checklist now demands shallow splash pools, food they’ll actually eat instead of throwing it on the floor, separate bedrooms so my wife and I don’t have to sit in the dark from 7.30pm, and enough safe green space for them to burn off every ounce of relentless energy.

And a toddler-friendly holiday starts long before you reach reception – a brilliant kids’ pool means nothing if you’ve suffered a four-hour flight delay followed by two hours trapped on a sweaty transfer coach, or if you land only to realise the nearest shop selling nappies is three towns away.

That’s why all six of these properties hit my strict travel criteria: easy UK flight links, short airport transfers and pushchair-friendly resorts packed with local supermarkets and bakeries.

Having personally stayed at all six with my own young family, these are the ones that actually deliver for babies, toddlers, and weary parents.

6. Zafiro Ca’n Picafort, Majorca

This was one of the single easiest stays I’ve managed with a toddler because it hits two absolute non-negotiables: elite pool options and hassle-free dining.

There are multiple swimming zones, including two brilliant splash pools that kept my toddler entertained for hours without us having to camp out in one noisy, crowded area all day.

The food options here are a massive win for parents too.

While the barbecue station serves up proper, high-end grilled meats for adults, the main buffet includes all the essential toddler safety nets including plain pasta and chips (when your child has rejected every new food offered to them, a familiar bowl of penne is worth more than a Michelin star).

The real insider perk here though is the low-rise apartment layout, thanks to the separate living room and a private ground-floor garden terrace.

This means you can put the kids down for bed, step outside with a glass of wine, and ACTUALLY enjoy your evening without whispering in the dark.

Ca’n Picafort itself is flat, exceptionally pushchair-friendly, and sits just a manageable 50-minute drive from Palma Airport.

I spotted a five-night, self-catering stay here from £233pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.

5. H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens, Lanzarote

Travelling with a baby often feels like managing the logistics of a small company, but H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens completely removes the heavy lifting.

You can pre-book potties, baby baths, and stair gates straight to your room, meaning half your bulky nursery gear stays at home.

The absolute highlight for us was the hotel’s specialised baby club which lets parents stay with their toddlers.

This is a game-changer for toddlers who want access to brand-new toys and soft play, but aren’t quite old enough to be dropped off with strangers.

The pools feature gentle, splashy slides rather than terrifying drops designed for teenagers, and the location in Costa Teguise is ideal.

It’s completely flat and surrounded by supermercados for emergency nappy runs.

Not only that, but it sits just a painless 20-minute transfer from Arrecife Airport – meaning you go from baggage reclaim to the poolside before a meltdown hits.

You can lock in a five-night holiday here with breakfast included from £333pp, flying direct from London Stansted on September 30.

4. Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes, Rhodes

Some massive family resorts look incredible in brochures but feel like an overcrowded theme park the second you walk through reception.

The Atlantica Mikri Poli in Kolymbia completely avoids that trap by being across five distinct swimming spots.

This includes a dedicated toddler splash park and a quiet, adult-friendly pool.

Because the resort footprint is so spread out, we could easily move between the lively waterpark sections and the quiet, shaded gardens depending on where we were in the daily nap cycle.

The top-tier insider trick at this hotel is the location of the main playground – it sits directly adjacent to the outdoor evening entertainment stage, surrounded by shaded seating.

You can sit back with a drink from the all inclusive bar while keeping direct line-of-sight on your toddlers as they burn off their final energy reserves before bed.

Transfer-wise, it’s a smooth 25-minute drive from Rhodes Airport, entirely cutting out long coach tours across the island.

I found a five-night all inclusive package from £443pp, flying direct from London Luton on September 29.

3. Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Majorca

If you want a property that makes younger children feel like the entire resort was designed specifically for them, Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is it.

Even on arrival, you will spot the soft play slide directly inside the reception lobby – a small detail that perfectly sums up the hotel’s family-first ethos.

The children’s buffet section is built at eye-level for toddlers, allowing them to actually see and choose their own food.

There’s even a dedicated fresh fruit market counter to keep things healthy.

The ultimate parent perk here is direct access to Playa de Muro beach.

The sand is powder-soft and the walk into the sea slopes so gently that the water stays ankle-deep for yards out, making it infinitely safer for paddling with a one-year-old than steep, pebbly coastlines.

The transfer from Palma takes around 50 minutes along direct main roads, dropping you straight into one of the island’s calmest family pockets.

I clocked a five-night all inclusive stay here from £563pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.

2. Mediterranean Palace Hotel, Tenerife

The Mediterranean Palace earns its spot on my shortlist purely for its world-class facilities.

Its supervised kids’ club includes a massive soft-play arena, cinema room, and dedicated baby-changing bays.

Not only that, but the outdoor splash park gives toddlers a safe way to cool off without needing to tread water in a deep pool.

This property is my absolute go-to recommendation for winter sun – the hotel sits right on the border of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, giving you direct access to miles of flat, paved seafront promenade.

My best insight for parents here is the tactical “nap walk” route.

You can wheel the pushchair straight out of the hotel gates onto a wide, traffic-free coastal path lined with cafes, pushing the buggy over smooth paving until they fall asleep, while you grab a coffee in the sun.

Best of all, Tenerife South Airport is barely a 15-minute taxi ride away.

You can book a five-night stay with breakfast included from £588pp, flying direct from Liverpool on February 1 next year.

1. Sea Club Mediterranean Resort, Majorca

If you want the freedom of a self-catering apartment combined with full resort facilities, the Sea Club is a massive win.

Instead of one sterile, towering hotel block, the accommodation is arranged in low-rise, Mediterranean-style villas spread across extensive, tree-lined gardens.

The stand-out feature for parents here though is the layout of the one-bedroom apartments.

The separate living area is properly partitioned from the main bedroom.

This means once the kids are asleep at 7:30pm, parents can make the most of the full lounge and private balcony WITH the lights on (no more hiding in the bathroom with a book).

Port d’Alcudia is exceptionally flat, packed with pharmacies and supermarkets, and features a huge, sheltered bay with crystal-clear, shallow water.

Sitting a comfortable 45-minute transfer from Palma Airport, it delivers a high-spec family break for an absolute bargain price.

I spotted a five-night self-catering stay from just £208pp, flying direct from Birmingham on September 27.

FANCY a last minute escape to somewhere hot and sunny?

Thankfully, you could be cocktail in-hand and toes in the sand sooner than you’d think, as there’s loads of absolute bargains on Loveholidays.

We’ve found some seriously affordable week-long breaks to glamorous resorts in Spain, Turkey, the Canary Islands and Morocco for as little as £129pp.

Here’s a roundup of the top last minute deals we found. All the deals below are for seven night stays, and include your return flights.

Costa Brava

With a speedy two hour flight and the sunshine sitting in the mid 20’s well into the autumn, Costa Brava is the perfect no-fuss pick for a sunny holiday.

Visit the resort of Tossa de Mar to see a medieval castle overlooking turquoise waters, or stay in Santa Susanna for easy access to Water World and Levante Beach.

Read more on Loveholidays

BAG A BARGAIN

Loveholidays last minute deals – with week-long breaks from £149pp

NOVEL IDEA

Loveholidays’ new ‘novel coat’ that fits 48 books as Brits admit they overpack

We found a week-long stay at Odissea Park hotel for only £229pp – this four-star stay has a sleek design, is perfect for families and is just steps from the sea.

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Costa Brava.

Bag a seven night stay at Odissea Park for £229pp in October

Dalaman, Turkey

For a great value stay on Turkey‘s gorgeous Turquoise Coast, book yourself a holiday to Dalaman.

We found a bargain break in Olu Deniz, a beach resort that is famous for its glowing blue lagoon and sports like paragliding.

The deal includes your flights plus a five star stay at Green Forest Holiday Village, a relaxing resort with sea and mountain views with its own spa.

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Dalaman.

Book a seven night stay at Green Forest Holiday Village from £369pp in September

Gran Canaria

For reliable year-round sunshine and a coastline lined with affordable resorts and friendly tapas bars, go for Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria has some incredible landscapes, too, from the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas to the volcanic rocks of Roque Nublo.

The popular resort of Puerto Rico is packed with water sports, vibrant nightlife and even dolphin-watching by the shore.

We found a deal for a stay at the stunning Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite, where their sprawling outdoor pool is framed by dramatic mountains.

Bag a seven night stay at Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite from £369pp in September

The Algarve, Portugal

The amazing Algarve is home to endless golden sand beaches, stunning sea caves and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Albufeira offers the ideal sun-soaked getaway, with a colourful, cobblestone Old Town, affordable boat trips and amazing local seafood.

We found a steal of a stay at the four star Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa in October.

This adults-only hotel sits in Albufeira’s charming Old Town, and has a rooftop infinity pool facing out to sea.

Book a seven night stay at Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa from £429pp

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to The Algarve.

Marrakech

You only need to hop on a three and a half hour flight to soon be enjoying 30°C September sunshine in Marrakech.

Spend your days shopping in the labyrinthine of souks, wandering through lush gardens or sipping sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace.

By night, the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the place to be, filled with street performers, musicians, and the mouth-watering smell of street food.

We found a deal for a week-long stay in a comfortable Moroccan apartment for an incredible £129pp, which includes return flights.

Book a seven night stay at Locanda Residence Marrakech from £129pp in September

Plus Loveholidays have a Best Price Promise, which means that if you find the same holiday elsewhere for over £10 less than their price, they’ll refund you the difference – and pay you an extra fiver per person.

To browse more last minute holiday deals to places like France, Italy, Greece, Egypt and more, click below.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

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

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

Parklane, Cyprus

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

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

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

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

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks

CHEAP CHIC

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

TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye, Turkey

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

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

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

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

GF Victoria, Tenerife

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

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

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

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

The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, Turkey

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

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

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

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

Daios Cove Hotel, Crete

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

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

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

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

Prices correct at the time of publication.