EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.
Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.
Parkdean Resorts offer four-night Tots Breaks where children under 5 eat for freeCredit: Alamy
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.
If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.
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These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.
However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.
That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.
Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.
You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.
Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.
Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.
And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.
There are plenty of activities for under 5’s across Parkdean Resorts’ holiday parksCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).
The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.
When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.
The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.
Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.
Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.
If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.
These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.
Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.
Kids under 5 can enjoy three meals a day as part of the Tots Break packageCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
IF you’re desperate for a getaway but don’t want to spend loads, it might be time to look beyond the usual high street holiday agents.
We’ve found a lesser-known booking site where you can bag entire package holidays from just £118, hotel rooms from £16 a night, and flights for as little as £9.
Your next holiday could be closer than you think with these bargain getawaysCredit: Alamy
Browse cheap holidays, flights and hotels on Opodo
Opodo acts as a massive travel search engine, scouring hundreds of airlines and millions of hotels to pull together some of the absolute cheapest deals on the internet.
As a travel writer who scours the internet each week for the cheapest holidays for Sun readers, these are some of the lowest travel fares I’ve ever seen.
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So whether you’re after a quick weekend city break, a week-long beach escape, or even a solo travel retreat – here’s our guide to the very best travel bargains on Opodo right now.
Package holidays
Package hols are where you get the most bang for your buck on Opodo, as you can save up to 40% extra by booking your flights and hotel together through the website.
Or you can click here to browse all cheap package holidays.
Mallorca – from £121pp
Boat sailing, Majorca island, Spain. Cala MarmolCredit: Getty
With flight times around two and a half hours, Mallorca is an easy hop away for some autumn sun, with pleasant October temperatures of around 24C.
Spend your days exploring the winding, cobbled streets of Alcudia’s Old Town, hiking the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountains, or soaking up the sun on the pristine white sands of Es Trenc.
Browse Mallorca holidays from £121pp
Tenerife – from £147pp
Playa de las Teresitas in TenerifeCredit: Getty
The flight to Tenerife is only four hours from the UK, yet it still reaches highs of 26C in October.
Once you’re there, stroll the volcanic beaches of Costa Adeje, enjoy €3 tapas in traditional tavernas, hit up award-winning waterpark Siam Park or even go whale watching.
Browse Tenerife holidays from £147pp
The Algarve – from £118pp
Beautiful village of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, PortugalCredit: Getty
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Portugal‘s stunning southern coast, offering warm highs of 25C without the overwhelming summer crowds.
Wander around the bustling Olhao fish market, hike along dramatic coastal cliffs to see the spectacular rock formations, or simply relax on the golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores right by Albufeira’s old town.
Browse Algarve holidays from £118pp
Rome – from £119pp
You don’t need a huge budget to experience Rome, especially with Opodo offering package holidays from £119pp.
In the Italian capital the streets themselves are their own attraction. Soak up the atmosphere at the Spanish Steps, or toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.
Browse Rome holidays from £119pp
Flights
You could fly to Barcelona from £9 if you’re signed up to Opodo PrimeCredit: Getty
Opodo offers super cheap flights to destinations in Europe and beyond, but they get even cheaper if you join Opodo Prime.
For example, you can bag a one-way flight to Barcelona for £24 each way, but if you’re signed up to Opodo Prime this sinks down to £9.
It costs £8.99 a month and also gets you discounts on hotels, so if you like to go on holiday regularly, it could save you some serious cash.
CONSIDERING an all-inclusive break with drinks on tap or looking for a cheap midweek staycations that include theme park tickets?
Well, we’ve found some of the best package deals in the UK that you might not have even known existed – with breaks that start from an unbelievably low £2.43 per person, per night.
Away Resorts has cheap midweek deals to holiday parks, like Whitecliff BayCredit: Whitecliff Bay Holiday ParkOther short breaks include tickets to theme parks like Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Short Break Deals
Many holiday parks will drop the prices of midweek breaks and offer deals on outstanding dates they want to fill which make it perfect for a break if you have leftover annual leave.
Hoseasons has its own specific tab for breaks under £150 with holidays still on offer from now through December.
The holiday park has direct access to an award-winning beach as well as a heated indoor swimming pool, arcade, climbing wall, as well as a bar, restaurant and Wetherspoons pub.
For those who want some added thrills, it’s very near Crealy Theme Park which has over 60 rides and attractions.
Away Resorts has a ‘Midweek Breaks 2026’ tab where you can select three or four night holidays – some of which are also under £150.
A family of four can stay in a Value Chalet from £80 – or £5pp a night. The accommodation has everything you need including a kitchen with all the essentials, a TV and comfy beds.
From the holiday park, it’s a short walk to the beach, there’s an indoor swimming pool with a flume, and plenty of activities like crazy golf and adventure playground.
There’s entertainment aplenty with shows for kids as well as karaoke, late DJs, quizzes and outdoor cinemas.
Butlin’s
Butlin’s now has self-serve bars with over 20 drinksCredit: Butlins
Butlin’s is renowned for cracking deals for less and those taking advantage of its ‘showtime term-time midweek’ will be even more enthralled by the price.
Midweek holidays start from just £39 – we found a family of four can stay at the Bognor Regis Resort for four-nights between November 2-6 in a Comfort Room for this price, which works out as £2.43pp per night.
That price doesn’t just cover accommodation either – included in the price are the live shows, daytime activities, fairground rides and waterparks.
There are restaurants and bars on-site too – but if families want to stay in control of their food and drink, Butlin’s also offers dining packages.
The cheapest is the food court dining plan which includes buffet breakfast and dinner from £25.95 per adult per day.
Prices for those age 6-14 start from £25.95 and children 2-5 can eat from £7.25, those under two years old can go free.
Check out the all-inclusive drinks package too which start from £25.95 per adult per day and £10.50 per child per day.
This includes use of the new self-serve bars which have than 20 drinks options including popular brands, including Madri,Guinness, Smirnoff and Butlin’s own cocktails.
This includes dinner on the first night (£35pp allowance), access to the thermal suite for 90-minutes, a 25-minute treatment each, and late check out from £169pp.
The hotel is set in Grange-over-Sands and Morecambe Bay is steps away too.
Myhotelbreak
Two-night breaks at this impressive Scottish hotel start from £129.50ppCredit: Getty Images
Myhotelbreak specialises in packages across the country – it has some where breakfast is included every morning, as is dinner on at least one evening of the stay.
This includes a two-night stay in a double room, £30pp allowance towards dinner on the second night, a full Scottish breakfast each morning and full access to the pool and sauna.
The hotel is set in 30 acres of grounds, it also has a swimming pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room, along with games like table tennis and pool.
The Scottish hotel is set in amongst plenty of countryside so it’s the perfect spot for hikes and even mountain biking, or stay in the hotel and relax at the spa.
Included in this is a £25pp allowance towards dinner, two-nights’ accommodation, full breakfast each morning and complimentary use of the facilities.
These leisure facilities include a fitness suite, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, relaxation area, indoor swimming pool, ice fountain, experience showers and heated loungers.
Virgin Experience Days
Some Virgin Experience hotel stays include Heritage Railway experiencesCredit: Unknown
Sometimes a Virgin Experience day means skydiving, hot air ballooning or spa breaks – but did you know it can also include hotel stays?
We’ve found a couple that could really tickle your fancy – for those who want to combine the joys of the seaside with theme parks -there’s an offer for a one -night stay for £162 for two – or £81pp.
It includes an overnight stay at The Big Blue Hotel in Blackpool with breakfast in the morning, a three-course dinner at Blues Brasserie and access to Pleasure Beach Park.
The experience includes an overnight stay at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, along with a £50 dinner allowance, a full English breakfast and a day out on the Spa Valley Railway.
Along the way, it stops at Eridge, Groombridge, High Rocks or Royal Tunbridge Wells.
It includes a one or two-night stay, full English breakfast each morning, three-course buffet meal for one evening.
There’s also a bottle of sparkling wine in the room and guests taking advantage of the offer will also have access to its leisure facilities.
The offer is available across 21 of its hotels with the cheapest being Europa Gatwick Hotel and Norbreck Castle Hotel Blackpool which start from £45pp.
This is available until December 22, 2026.
Potters Resorts
Potters Resort organises all-inclusive breaks which includes absolutely everythingCredit: Potters Resorts Hopton on Sea
Potters Resorts prides itself on having ‘UK’s only Fully Inclusive Family Breaks’ where everything is included from food and drinks to activities and entertainment.
The five-star retreat has two UK resorts, Hopton-on-Sea is in Norfolk and Five Lakes is in Essex.
It’s full board dining involving four meals a day, accommodation and West End entertainment with musicals, and live music.
There’s a full schedule of activities including archery or laser clays, golf, go-karting, use of the heated indoor pool, sauna, climbing wall, table tennis, badminton, snooker, darts and bowls.
Drinks are fully included too like coffees, soft drinks after an activity, a glass of wine with lunch or a gin and tonic.
Rather than £719 per adult, half-term breaks can be booked for £649. Breaks for children between 10-17 will cost £489 and three to nine year olds start from £389 – those under three cost £30.
Just like with the adults midweek breaks, everything is included and kids can enjoy activities like the VR experiences, Cliffhanger Climbing Wall, assault course, quizzes and games.
The Cumberland, Bournemouth
If you’re heading to Bournemouth – The Cumberland offers package dealsCredit: cumberlandbournemouth
The Centurion Hotel with Best Western has its very own soft play
Best Western has around 200 hotels in the UK – and many of them offer overnight stay packages too whether you’re after a weekend getaway or midweek break.
IF you’re after an insanely affordable holiday, then there is a fantastic travel website you need to know about.
Opodo offers flights, hotels, car hire and package holiday deals for prices that will make you do a double take.
Opodo offers incredibly affordable package holidays, as well as deals for individual flights and hotelsCredit: Getty
We’ve found hotels in Marrakech from £16, return flights to Barcelona from £21 and even entire Tenerife holidays from £147pp, to name but a few.
So whether you’re looking to book a family holiday, a couples getaway or even a solo travel retreat, here’s our round-up of the best Opodo deals right now.
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Browse affordable deals on Opodo – package hols from £92pp
Alicante – £117pp
Visit Postiguet Beach on a trip to Alicante, Spain from £117pp with OpodoCredit: Getty
Hop on a two-and-a-half-hour flight over to Alicante to soak up some rays on a stunning stretch of Spanish coast, with sizzling highs of 25°C in October.
Postiguet is the main beach here, sitting at the foot of Mount Benacantil and watched over by Santa Barbara Castle.
Once you’re done topping up your tan, you can hike up to the spectacular castle to soak up panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline for free.
With package deals from £117pp, a quick sunny Spanish getaway might be closer than you’d think.
Browse Alicante package holidays from £117pp
Rome – £119pp
Visiting the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of every monthCredit: Alamy
You do not need to spend a fortune to visit Rome, with Opodo’s package holiday deals starting from £119pp.
Rome is a giant, open-air museum where simply wandering the cobbled streets to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain or marvel at the Pantheon costs absolutely nothing.
Plus if you time your trip to include the first Sunday of the month, visits to state museums, attractions and even the Colosseum offer free entry.
Head across the river to the buzzing Trastevere neighbourhood for authentic €3 pizza by the slice and €5 Aperol Spritzes.
Browse Rome package holidays from £119pp
Cheap flights
Here’s our selection of bargain flights we found with Opodo Prime
If you’re signed up to Opodo Prime, you can bag super cheap flights like the ones we’ve found below.
Opodo Prime plans start from £8.99 a month and can save you hundreds per year on flights, hotels and more.
Tenerife stays warm in the winter and is only a four hour flight away from the UKCredit: Getty
Tenerife is a classic, affordable winter sun destination, with highs of 26°C in October and still sitting at toasty highs of 24°C in November.
The flight is only four hours from the UK for these sunny temperatures, and once you’re there, there are loads of ways to enjoy all that sunshine.
Stroll the sweeping volcanic beaches of Costa Adeje, enjoy €3 tapas in traditional tavernas or go whale watching on an unforgettable boat tour.
Make sure to check out Siam Park, a paradise for waterpark fans which has been crowned the world’s No.1 waterpark for 10 consecutive years by Tripadvisor.
Browse Tenerife package holidays from £147pp
Athens – £162pp
Tick off a trip to the impressive city of Athens in Greece from £162pp with OpodoCredit: Getty
Ancient historical sites, snazzy rooftop bars, amazing Greek food – Athens is an underrated choice when it comes to city breaks.
The famous Acropolis of Athens is a must-visit. To stretch your cash, buy a €30 combo ticket which gets you into seven major archaeological sites.
When it comes to cheap eats, you can grab some delicious pork or chicken gyros stuffed with chips and tzatziki for around €3, before hitting the bars for a €2 Mythos beer.
This deal includes a stay at the Sparta Team Hotel, which is only a 12-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk away from the Acropolis.
Browse Athens package holidays from £162pp
Cheap hotels
Here’s our selection of bargain hotels we found on Opodo (prices per night)
Paris – £92pp
Stroll along the Seine in Paris for fantastic views of the city and its famous landmarksCredit: Alamy
Enjoy a chic getaway to the French Capital with friends or your partner for under £100 each.
Take in the city with strolls along the Seine, or venture to the cobbled hills of Montmartre to take in sweeping views of the city from the Sacre-Coeur basilica.
For a budget-friendly feast, skip the expensive restaurants and hit up a local boulangerie. Grab a fresh baguette, a wedge of creamy brie, and a cheap bottle of supermarket wine for a delicious Parisian picnic.
BOOKING a budget-friendly family getaway has never been easier.
If you want to keep the whole family entertained on holiday without breaking the bank, one of the UK’s top holiday park operators is rolling out some seriously unmissable deals.
Go all inclusive on your next UK family holiday at a Parkdean Resorts holiday parkCredit: TripAdvisor
Parkdean Resorts is offering action-packed family hols including all inclusive getaways, Nickelodeon Weekenders for Paw Patrol fans, and Tots Breaks where kids eat completely free.
Better yet, these breaks start from an unbelievably cheap £6.19 per person, per night. Here’s our favourite Parkdean offers on right now.
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All inclusive breaks
45 of Parkdean Resorts’ holiday parks offer an all inclusive optionCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Forget the faff of cooking and supermarket runs on your next caravan holiday, as 45 Parkdean Resorts across the UK offer all-inclusive meal packages.
The deal is available at popular parks including Camber Sands, Highfield Grange, and mega resort Trecco Bay, which is the one of the largest holiday parks in Europe.
The all inclusive offer bundles in three hot, sit-down meals a day in the site’s main restaurant alongside unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks.
This means you can start every morning with a cooked breakfast, enjoy crowd-pleasing lunch options like burgers and curries, and sip on bottomless Costa Coffees.
The all inclusive option works as an add-on to the cost of your stay and starts from £80 per adult and £30 per child (under 12) for a four-night break.
That works out to a bargain £20 per night for grown-ups and £7.50 per child.
The all inclusive offer is available for four night breaks with Monday arrivals, excluding the school holidays.
However 14 of the parks are offering three-night weekend options, too. Click here to browse which ones.
Tots Breaks
Parkdean Resorts Tots Breaks are designed for families with under fivesCredit: TripAdvisor
Keeping toddlers entertained and well-fed on holiday can be exhausting and expensive, but Parkdean Resorts has come up with the ultimate solution.
Their brilliant ‘Tots Breaks‘ are tailor-made for families with under-fives, with four-night stays starting from £99.
That works out to £6.19 per person, per night for a family of four.
Best of all, kids eat completely free for the entire holiday.
Little ones get complimentary breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from the Starland Krew Menu, with hits like beef burgers, tomato pasta, and chicken strips, saving families up to £70 on their food bill.
There are plenty of activities designed for young children, too.
Under-fives can dive into messy play, soft play, sing-a-long Tots & Tunes music sessions, or even tackle an adorable obstacle course, the ‘Mini Olympics’.
The entertainment line-up is just as impressive, with Milkshake! Mornings across 40 UK sites, plus exciting meet-and-greets with PAW Patrol characters like Chase and Marshall.
Nickelodeon Weekender
Meet and greet classic cartoon characters like the Ninja Turtles on a Nickelodeon weekenderCredit: Parkdean Resorts
If your kids are obsessed with PAW Patrol, Ninja Turtles or SpongeBob SquarePants, we’ve got good news. Parkdean Resorts have put together the perfect weekend break for Nickelodeon fans.
You can bag a Nickelodeon Weekender family break from £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58 per person, per night for a family of four.
From morning to night, there is plenty of free Nickelodeon-themed entertainment for all ages.
Little ones can complete ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder and learn the Pup Pup Boogie, or head down to the Showbar to learn martial arts from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and earn their very own ninja mask.
The fun does not stop when the sun goes down, with a lineup of evening events including interactive family game shows, dance parties and live shows packed with prizes.
When you’re ready to chill out, families can settle down for a special ‘Movie with the Stars’ screening alongside the actual characters from the film.
AUTUMN and winter family holidays in the UK are a gamble – you could get glorious sunshine and plenty of fresh air, or be stuck inside playing board games on repeat thanks to nonstop rain.
But there’s one chain of seaside resorts boasting such an array of indoor and outdoor activities, it barely matters what the weather is.
The Sun’s Head Of Travel, Caroline McGuire, and the rest of her holiday group enjoyed a recent action-packed staycationCredit: Caroline McGuireButlin’s holidays are affordable yet full of plenty of indoor activities for the kids to see and do – even when the weather’s badCredit: Butlins
Butlin’s has so many indoor activities that you could fill an entire three days without spending any time outdoors.
A school mum and I took our families on the all inclusive break earlier this year, after one too many staycations were marred by huge downpours – and were blown away by the offering (not the wind).
Butlin’s is really hard to get your head around if you haven’t been before – for starters, it’s SO cheap. Well… it is if you go for the cheapest accommodation.
Their base rates start from £49 for four nights for a family of four during October half term at their Minehead site, for example – that’s an astonishing £12.25pp per holiday.
But that’s in their cheapest comfort rooms, which don’t have a kitchen – the cheapest accommodation with a kitchen is £69 in the comfort apartments, and the prices go all the way up to £502 if you’re in the fancier bayside apartments.
At their Skegness site, where we stayed, accommodation over half term ranges from £122 in their standard rooms, up to £515 in the Maple Walk Premium Lodges and £791 in the platinum plus caravans.
We stayed in the Maple Walk lodges that first opened in 2024. The high-end, three-bedroom property featured a sleek kitchen, outdoor decking and a wood- panelled master bedroom.
Maple Walk has its own entrance and even housekeeping, signalling a big departure from Butlin’s main, affordable offering.
Caroline’s son and a friend enjoy the fairgroundCredit: Caroline McGuireThe value you get out of a four-night break when factoring in the activities is astonishingCredit: Caroline McGuireThe sites have tons of paid-for activities you can sign up to, like laser quest, the fairground, bowling, go-karting, climbing and aerial adventure coursesCredit: Free for editorial use
But it doesn’t matter where you book – the activities included in the price are the same.
That includes the indoor waterparks, the West-End-style shows and entertainment like wrestling, the Skypark outdoor playparks, the soft plays and certain arts and crafts sessions.
Then if you book during a particular holiday, the resorts often host plenty of extra themed activities for free – for example, at October half term they have free fireworks displays, silent discos and pumpkin carving.
The sites have tons of paid-for activities you can sign up to as well, like laser quest, the fairground, bowling, go-karting, climbing and aerial adventure courses.
The value you get out of a four-night break when factoring in the activities is astonishing.
Let’s say for instance, you went to one of their shows every evening of your stay – for a decent seat at a West End production of a similar standard to the Butlin’s Masked Singer Live show, you’d be looking at around £40pp minimum, while WWE live show tickets cost from £40pp to £150pp for regular arena seats.
If we’re conservative, that’s £120pp for three nights of quality shows already.
And these are top quality performances. The year-round pantomime is so hilarious it had me slapping my thigh, and the Animals and Mythical Beasts production brought tears to my son’s eyes.
The star of the shows for us, however, was the Maximum Pro Wrestling, which included a star turn from one of the celebrity hosts, Jeff Brazier.
Then you have the free soft play – at between £5 and £12 per child across the UK, it’s free at Butlin’s and entry to the water park – which typically costs between £15 to £26pp at decent-sized venues in Britain.
Book yourself into both of those twice over the course of your stay and that averages around £47pp, rising up to £167pp for the value of the free entertainment on offer when you factor in the cost of the shows.
That’s before you add in any of the paid-for activities. During our three-night stay, we played mini golf and laser quest, spent far too many pound coins in the arcade, enjoyed arts and crafts and went to the fun fair.
If you’re planning on going all out on the food and drink, their relatively new all inclusive bundles are great value too.
We opted for the all-inclusive dining and drinks packages. The Premium Dining package costs £33.95 an adult and £19.50 a child (age six to 14) per day, and covers a buffet breakfast and a buffet dinner.
These are full of choice, with Indian, Chinese, roast dinners, cheeseboards, burgers, soft serve and far more on offer for dinner.
At breakfast, there was everything from a Full English (with a fantastic veggie selection), made to order toasted sandwiches and omelettes, cereals, pastries fruit and pancakes.
The drinks package starts from an extra £25.95 an adult per day and £10.50 a child, which includes unlimited booze, soft drinks and Costa coffee.
If you think you’ll get through more than four pints of Madri beer at £6.10 each, or five glasses of house wine at £5.60 each, over the course of the afternoon and evening then it’s well worth shelling out for.
The resorts also have new self-serve bars for the first time too, with beers, ciders, cocktails, spirits and mixers and soft drinks.
Each Butlin’s resort has a large indoor arcade featuring hundreds of gamesCredit: Caroline McGuireThe ‘Splash’ swimming pool at Butlin’s holiday resort in Bognor RegisCredit: AlamyFor a decent seat at a West End production of a similar standard to the Butlin’s Masked Singer Live show, you’d be looking at around £40pp minimumCredit: Butlins
If you don’t want to gorge at the buffet like we did every night, the DineAround package includes a buffet breakfast and then you can pick from the other on-site dining options for a two-course lunch or dinner.
This could be pub grub at The Beachcomber Inn or classic American diner-style food. Or you can simply pay as you go or cook in your accommodation.
Prices for all inclusive get even cheaper during termtime, midweek breaks, with all-inclusive food and drink bundles on Showtime Breaks starting from £28 per person, per night for a family of four.
So if you’re paying £39 for a comfort room that sleeps up to 6 people on a midweek break, that’s a further £312.12 for the premium dining and drinks plan – working out at £351.12 in total or £22pp a night for accommodation, activities, and all inclusive food and drink.
It’s almost hard to argue against going out for food at those kinds of prices…
AUTUMN is a fantastic season for a cheap UK staycation – you just have to know where to look.
Luckily, our team of travel experts have banded together to reveal their favourite UK holiday spots for the season… and each is paired with an amazingly cheap holiday deal.
Visit the royal estate of Sandringham on a trip to NorfolkCredit: Alamy
From coastal holiday parks with plenty of Halloween action for kids, to underrated charming Cotswolds towns, we’ve selected breaks that are even better in autumn.
Here’s our pick of affordable autumn UK holidays starting from less than a tenner per person.
Heacham, Norfolk
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
North-west Norfolk might just be my favourite place to visit in autumn.
The royal estate of Sandringham is home to a 600-acre country park, where you’ll stroll down paths shaded by emerald evergreen trees and fiery red cypresses.
The blue and yellow walking trails are marked by giant sculptures of woodland animals. Make sure to also stop by the giant wooden playground with the kids, all for free.
In nearby Snettisham you can hand-feed deer on a Deer Safari at Snettisham Park (£13.50 per adult, £11.50 per kid) or settle down for a local pint by the fire in 14th century pub The Rose and Crown.
In the village of Heacham you’ll find Church Farm, where you can pick your own pumpkins to take back and carve (or simply pose for some family photos with their amazing hay bale displays). Drive a bit further to Brookhill Farm in Thursford and you’ll find a giant pumpkin house.
Base yourself at Parkdean Resorts Heacham Beach for a Halloween-themed October break with loads to do for kids, including rain-proof activities like indoor fancy dress contests, slime-making and a huge ‘Monster Ball’ party.
Plus here you’re only 15 minutes’ drive from Sandringham and Snettisham, and a short walk from Norfolk’s typical golden sands for a breezy beach walk.
You can book a three night weekend break from October 15 in a Bronze caravan sleeping six for £139 total. That works out to £7.72pp per night – plus the Halloween activities will already be up and running.
Witney, Oxfordshire
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recommends a trip to Witney in OxfordshireCredit: Alamy
A hot chocolate, comfy walking boots and a stroll through the countryside to the pub is my idea of heaven in autumn.
And where is more beautiful that the Cotswolds? But skip the busier towns and head to Witney, often overlooked in favour of the nearby Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.
The best coffees are found at Coffeesmiths, while a slice of cake from Hunter’s Cake Cafe is a must.
While it has a crazy amount of pubs (the Hollybush is my favourite), there is one that is worth the walk.
Then follow the river for an easy 2hr30 walk through the fields, ending at The Rose Revived Pub where you can warm up with a fantastic roast dinner.
Then hop in a taxi back to Witney and stay at The Blue Boar, a converted 16th century former coaching inn which recently underwent a huge makeover with rooms from around £64.
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Salisbury in Wiltshire makes for an ideal autumnal breakCredit: Getty
Autumn is, in my opinion, the most magical season for glamping. Nature is at its finest: woodlands are carpeted in crunchy golden leaves and there’s a brisk chill in the air that makes golden hour feel even more cherishable.
And there’s no better place to take advantage of all this than Liba Vineyard in Salisbury, home to just three cosy wooden cabins, sleeping up to four.
Buried in rugged countryside on a working vineyard, each bolthole comes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the scenery, while bedrooms come with sky lights for night time observing.
You’ll actually feel grateful for the brisk weather here as that means you can take advantage of the wood-fired hot tubs and roaring outdoor fire pits (don’t forget to pick up some marshmallows for toasting)
While you can’t yet drink the wine from the vines grown outside your door, it’s still the perfect spot for hunkering down with a glass of red and a board game.
Cabins cost from £34.75pp (or £139 in total) per night.
North York Moors
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Visit the historic seaside town of Whitby on a trip to the North York MoorsCredit: Getty
The North York Moors National Park is best explored in the autumn, with waterfall walking trails, miles of heather moorland and quaint coastal towns that are far quieter than in the summer.
The Falling Foss walk takes you on a peaceful loop through ancient forests to reach a 30-foot waterfall, while the Mallyan Spout in Goathland is a more challenging route, but this waterfall is the tallest (70 feet).
Whitby is also a must-visit, with the spooky Whitby Abbey ruins to explore as well as plenty of Dracula history. Dip into the UK’s best fish and chip shop Trenchers for an award-winning lunch.
One of the best ways to take in the views is aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which covers 24 miles of scenery, stopping at pretty villages such as Goathland and Pickering and ending in Whitby. Day Rover tickets start from £42.70pp with one child going free per adult.
Book a cosy three-night cottage stay in Whitby for £17.94pp per night with this deal from cottages.com.
Peak District
Head of Travel, Lisa Minot
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot recommends the Dark Tales of the Peak District tourCredit: Getty
Discover the dark side to the Peak District’s stunning countryside on a new guided walk launching this autumn that brings stories of plague, murder and highwaymen to life.
Dark Tales of the Peaks is a new experience that brings to life the tragic history of the village of Eyam – where the entire village isolated itself during a devastating plague in 1665.
Hear tales of the doomed lovers separated by the outbreak and learn about notorious highwayman Black Harry at Carlswark Cavern.
You’ll also follow ancient roads to Stoney Middleton and discover its historic Roman Bath House before enjoying a hearty meal inspired by food of the period at The Cupola Kitchen including pottage with flatbreads and Bakewell pudding.
And for a stunning stay nearby, Glenhurst in Holmesfield, Derbyshire is a five-bedroom modern country home sleeping up to ten.
The star of the show is the stunning view over the huge garden – and open countryside beyond – from the terrace that sits just outside the vast open-plan kitchen, living room and dining room.
Three nights’ self-catering this autumn is from £115pp, based on ten sharing.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recommends visiting Edinburgh – especially if you’re a Harry Potter fanCredit: Getty
Not many cities in the UK are prettier than Edinburgh in autumn and for families, it is full of exciting spots to explore.
Wannabe wizards should visit Greyfriars Kirkyard – while yes, it is a graveyard, you’ll find headstones with lots of the most famous characters’ names including Potter, McGonagall and even Tom Riddell.
Much-loved Victoria Street has Harry Potter-themed shops too, as well as colourful architecture.
For history buffs, Edinburgh Castle is definitely worth exploring and if you want a bit of exercise, head up Arthur’s Seat and take in the spectacular view.
For a gentler walk, gander long the river to Dean Village – a neighbourhood full of stone house that look as if they have been ripped from the pages of a fairytale.
It’s also worth getting lost in the National Museum of Scotland for an entire day, exploring thousands of objects across several grand galleries – for free.
Meninger Hotel Haymarket has funky family rooms with a double bed and a bunk bed, ensuite bathroom and free WiFi from £125 per night.
Anglesey, Wales
Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Head for a breezy beach walk in beautiful Anglesey, WalesCredit: Daniel_Kay getty hub
For crowd-free breaks filled with nature-watching and windy beach walks, I don’t think you can do better than Wales.
This year Anglesey has been named ‘unfashionable’ but ‘lovely’ by The Telegraph for the summer holidays, however I happen to think it’s pretty perfect for autumn.
My favourite beach on Anglesey is Traeth Lligwy which I discovered on a hike around the coast which is glorious in the summertime.
If you visit on the weekend, pop into the Lligwy Beach Cafe to pick up a hot chocolate to keep warm on the beach stroll and tuck into a pasty.
If you fancy a quaint village-stay, I’d suggest staying in Moelfre which is a short 20-minute drive to Beaumaris.
Don’t expect lots of entertainment or activities, but there’s a pub to to hunker down in called the Kinmel Arms, and my favourite spot is the cute little coffee shop called Ann’s Pantry.
I loved the cottage we stayed in called Bryn Awel and it sleeps up to six people.
With seven nights costing £567 (or £13.50ppn each), it’s snug with a cosy woodburner to fire up during the chillier months and views across the beach.
Being in Wales, take a rain mac and an umbrella to have on standby, because you never know when the weather will turn.
London city break
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Visit London in the autumn for a budget-friendly city break with some stunning viewsCredit: Getty
I love a trip to London in autumn, as the summer crowds have gone, but it is still warm enough that you don’t need a huge coat when walking around, that becomes a pain to carry each time you step inside.
And there are so many ways to do it on a budget.
After all, it is one of the world’s best museum capitals when it comes to them being free, meaning you could visit the British Museum, the V&A and the Natural History Museum without paying a penny.
And while there are loads of good restaurant deals, my hack to trying all those viral bakeries is getting a Too Good To Go bag which, if you’re quick, means you can try some of the capital’s top snacks while spending a fraction of the price.
When it comes to how to stay cheaply, I have stayed in my fair share of absolute bargain hotels.
The ultimate budget stay is Zedwell Tottenham Court Road, where the underground rooms start from £71 (so around £35 each). But if you fancy a window, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Drey, which has rooms under £100.
FORGET the faff of going abroad – you can bag yourself an action-packed all inclusive holiday here in the UK.
Across the UK are 45 Parkdean Resorts sites that offer an all inclusive package, bundling in three sit-down hot meals a day, unlimited soft and hot drinks and more.
You can go all inclusive at 45 different holiday parks with Parkdean ResortsCredit: Parkdean Holidays
The offer is available across some of Parkdean’s most popular sites, such as Camber Sands, Highfield Grange (which has recently had a multi-million pound investment) and Trecco Bay, one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.
And with food and drink taken care of, there’s no need to do a big food shop for the caravan, or worry about how much you’ll spend on food and drink on-site.
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Instead, you can sit down in a warm restaurant to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered straight to your table – no fuss, no washing up.
For breakfast, kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a proper cooked breakfast with eggs, toast, bacon, sausage and beans.
As for lunch and dinner, adult mains include classics like spaghetti bolognese, fish and chips, chicken tikka masala and a bacon and cheese burger.
The kids menu also offers crowd-pleasers like chicken burgers, margherita pizzas and macaroni cheese. Plus you can wash it all down with some soft drinks, which are included too.
Alcohol isn’t included in the all-inclusive packages, but the all inclusive breaks do include unlimited Costa Coffee, so you can grab yourself a warming cappuccino or a cosy hot chocolate on your autumn or winter family break.
All inclusive add-ons start from £80 per adult and £30 per child under 12 which, for a four night break, works out to £20 a night for adults and £7.50 for kids.
When you’re not enjoying all the free food and drink, there’s plenty of activities for the family to get stuck into.
The Newquay holiday park has a high ropes course, hoverboards, and even a Bear Grylls Survival Academy where kids can learn to survive in the wild.
Enjoy three freshly-cooked meals a day from £20 per night for aduklts and £7.50 per child (for four night breaks)Credit: Parkdean Holidays
All Parkdean resorts offering all inclusive breaks
Here are all the Parkdean Resorts where you can have an all inclusive holiday across the UK.
Over at Naze Marine holiday park, kids can bounce around on bungee trampolines or practice their aim at archery.
The holiday parks are also well-known for their amazing entertainment, with a huge variety of evening shows.
The Holiday Happy Gameshow is a hilarious showdown packed with challenges and prizes, while Talent Nation is an incredible talent show with a showstopper final at the end of the year judged by celebrities.
As for kids shows, Milkshake! Mornings are a hit with little ones for their singing, dancing and storytelling, while the Get Up & Glow has a classic ‘school disco’ type feel plus glow in the dark decorations.
The all inclusive offering is valid for four night breaks with Monday arrivals, excluding the school holidays.
However 14 of the parks are offering three-night weekend options, too. Click here to browse which ones.
There are plenty of deals on for family breaks across the resorts, with a current offer where you can save up to £120 off autumn breaks.
There are last-minute, midweek and dog-friendly break options all from £99.
Parkdean Resorts Highfield Grange has recently undergone a multi-million pound investmentCredit: Parkdean HolidaysOr book yourself onto a Tots Break package where kids eat all meals for freeCredit: TripAdvisor
You can bag a four-night stay in a Bronze caravan at Crantock Beach, Lizard Point, Holywell Bay and Sea Acres all from £99.
If you fill up a caravan sleeping six, that works out to £4.13pp per night!
And if you add on the all inclusive package, that works out to £24.13 per night for adults and £11.63 per night for kids for an all-inclusive UK holiday.
There are plenty of other holiday deals for families too, such as the Tots Break packages.
You can bag a four night Tots Break across a range of parks for £99, working out to £6.19pp per night if you’re a family of four.
And on a Tots Break, kids eat completely free as part of the package, saving you up to £70 extra.
Under-fives are completely spoiled for choice on these breaks with free soft play, messy play, and lively music sessions.
They can also tackle the Tots Adventure Playground, or test out new skills together with mini fencing, archery, and even ‘Mini Olympics‘.
THE UK might still be getting a last burst of heat but now is the time to lock in a winter sun holiday to get through the dark nights of December.
And new research has revealed which holiday destinations are much cheaper to go to this year compared to last year – and the ones to avoid which have jumped in price.
A new study has revealed which winter sun holiday destinations are cheaper to visit this yearCredit: AlamyTenerife was the top of the list for holidays that were more expensive this yearCredit: Alamy
The study, conducted by TravelSupermarket, looked at holiday prices between December 1 and January 31, looking at seven-night breaks.
And the biggest drop in prices was Gambia in West Africa.
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The average holiday price last year was £299 each a night, while this winter it has dropped to £219 – a fall of nearly 27 per cent.
This was followed by Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, which fell 19.41 per cent £64 to £52.
Others that saw prices drop include Las Vegas (-13.05 per cent), Bali (-11.78 per cent), and Dominican Republic (8.82 per cent).
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “This winter‘s package prices show that it pays to look beyond your usual destination.
“These are averages across different hotels and board bases, so individual holidays still need comparing carefully, but the picture is far more varied than winter sun simply becoming more expensive everywhere.
“There are savings further afield , with average package prices to the Dominican Republic down 8.8% and Jamaica down 6.1%.”
Gambia came out on top for the biggest price drop for winter holidays, down nearly 27%Credit: AlamyA trip to Bali is more affordable this year tooCredit: AlamyThe Algarve was one of the destinations that has jumped the most in price this winterCredit: Alamy
Sadly, it’s the destinations closer to home that have risen in price this year.
Tenerife, one of the hottest Spanish islands in winter, is up nearly 25 per cent compared to last year with average prices per person, per night going from £91 to £113.
The Algarve was close behind, with prices up from £81 to £99, a rise in 22.8 per cent.
The Bahamas (+18.67 per cent), Costa Blanca (+16.92 per cent) and Madeira and Porto Sando (+15.43 per cent) rounded up the top five.
10 holiday destinations that have DROPPED in price this winter
Gambia (-26.85%)
Ras Al-Khaimah (-19.41%)
Sousse (-18.39%)
Las Vegas (-13.05%)
Bali (-11.78%)
Dominican Republic (-8.82%)
Marrakech (-7.5%)
Jamaica (-6.08%)
Cape Verde (-6.01%)
Goa (-4.19%)
Chris added: “Average prices for Tenerife are up 10.5% year on year and Gran Canaria 8.2%, while Cape Verde is down 6% and Gambia nearly 27%.
“Neither is a new destination, but those contrasting price movements give travellers a reason to widen their search.
“Egypt also stands out because its average package price has barely moved, rising just 0.3%.
“At around £117 per person per night, it remains below the averages for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in our analysis.”
I SPEND most of my days scouring the web to track down the cheapest possible holiday deals – to share them all with Sun Club members.
Spending so much time filtering and flicking through holiday websites means I’ve gotten pretty good at seeking out a bargain.
Travel writer Jenna Stevens spends most of her days hunting down cheap holidays – here’s exactly how she finds the best dealsCredit: Jenna StevensWith my website trick I found a I found a week-long holiday to a four-star resort in Magaluf for £119ppCredit: Alamy
In fact, I’m often finding UK breaks for under £5pp, city breaks for £99 and under, and even family holidays abroad for £150pp or less.
So I’ve decided to reveal exactly how I find these cheap holidays: the very best websites to use, and how to use them to bag the best deals.
Holidays abroad
Loveholidays and On the Beach are two incredible companies when it comes to bagging the cheapest deals.
Both offer package holidays which bundle in your return flights, accommodation and board of your choice – so there’s no need to worry about having to book it all separately.
Loveholidays
With Loveholidays, it’s really easy to filter breaks by all inclusive, family friendly, short haul, long haul and more.
Their cheap holidays page lets you pick between cheap all-inclusives, beach holidays, city breaks and even family holidays with free child stays.
You can also filter by breaks under £500pp or even under £300pp. Drag the slider bar all the way down to the bottom, and you may even find hols for £120pp or under.
For example, under the ‘Cheap Beach Holidays’ tab, I found a week-long holiday to a four-star resort in Magaluf in October for £119pp.
On The Beach
You can book a four night break in The Algarve with On the Beach for £95ppCredit: Getty
On The Beach works in a similar fashion, and their cheap holidays page is regularly updated with ‘our cheapest deals of the week’, which often start from a super low £100pp to destinations like Portugal and Malta.
This page also currently has a ‘cheap holidays for autumn under £500′ section.
Some of the cheapest holidays they’re offering this autumn are week-long breaks to Turkey (from £135pp) and the Canary Islands (from £180pp).
One of the best deals I found for autumn using the cheap holidays page to navigate the offers is for a four night break in The Algarve for £95pp.
Wowcher
As well as UK breaks, Wowcher is also great for booking holidays abroad.
Yes they have the classic £99 mystery holiday, but they also offer beach holidays, European city breaks, cruises and even long haul escapes.
These include a glamorous Lake Como getaway from £79pp, an all-inclusive Egypt holiday from £299, and even an incredible Las Vegas holiday with flights for £399.
Lastminute.com choose a deal of the week, with one recent bargain being a Tenerife hol for £484ppCredit: Alamy
Lastminute.com is another great site that does what it says on the tin – and more.
While the homepage often showcases some of the site’s best value deals, they also have specific pages rounding up cheap family holiday destinations as well as cheap adults-only resorts.
Plus the site is still king when it comes to bagging a last-minute break. This webpage rounds up the week’s best exclusive deal, plus an offer of the week and last chance bargains.
Offers of the week are certainly one to keep an eye open for – their most recent was for a trip to a 5* resort in Tenerife for four nights with flights for £484pp.
The site also has a loyalty programme which is completely free to join, and can bag you up to an extra 15 per cent off holidays and experiences.
The offers get better the more holidays you take, and as you climb the ranks you can unlock more and more perks.
These include free travel audioguides, 10 per cent off car hire and free lounge access if your flight is delayed.
Sundeals
Sundeals is the new kid on the block when it comes to cheap holiday deals, and is a new branch of familiar favourite holiday company TUI.
Here you can explore deals by budget (under £350, under £500, under £1,000) or by destination and more.
On their cheap holidays page, I’ve found all inclusive holidays from £234pp, beach holidays from £115pp and city breaks from £147pp.
Plus, the holiday company offers holidays with super low deposits from £30pp, so you can get your next break locked in for cheap.
Travelzoo
I found a Travelzoo deal for 11 nights in Egypt combining a Nile cruise and 5* hotel for only £549pp with flightsCredit: Alamy
This is the only site you’ll have to pay for on this list, but my goodness is your membership worth it.
A Travelzoo membership costs £30 a year, but you can also try out 30 days of membership for £1.
Signing up means you’ll get Travelzoo’s ‘Top 20 deals’ dropped into your inbox each week, so you can easily have a quick browse to see if anything takes your fancy.
Or you can head to the site to browse cheap holiday deals broken down into loads of specific categories, from Asia Pacific holiday deals to island holidays and safari deals.
The best value to be found for foreign holidays here is for long haul breaks. The first time I came across their long haul holiday deals, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes.
You can visit gorgeous hotels in New York for £653pp, the Dominican Republic for £690pp and Mexico for £860pp – all for a week-long break including flights.
I even found an 11-night Egypt holiday which packs in your flights, four nights at a 5* all inclusive resort – followed by a Nile cruise which stops at major historical sights – for an unbelievable £549pp.
To be able to view and book these deals, you have to be signed up as a member.
Where to look
Albania has been called ‘The Maldives of Europe’ due to the colour of its water and sandsCredit: Alamy
Where you’re looking for your holidays is equally as important as how you’re looking.
You might be tempted to hop online and look for the same familiar favourites you’ve been to before, such as cheap Spain or Greece holidays.
But if you’re open to trying somewhere new, I’d recommend not ticking the ‘destination’ box. Instead, go for ‘beach holidays’ and see what pops up.
That way, you’re opening up hundreds or even thousands of new holiday options – which massively increases your chances of finding something cheaper.
And if you know there’s somewhere you really don’t want to go to, you can just untick it from the left-hand column of the page. Easy peasy.
I’d recommend keeping an eye out for Bulgaria, Albania and Montenegro holidays specifically.
These three destinations are absolute powerhouses when it comes to an affordable beach holiday.
Bulgaria has all-inclusive getaways from £279 and flights from the UK under £15. Plus once you’re there, you can grab a meal out for under £9 and a cappuccino for just 88p.
Albania has been named the ‘Maldives of Europe‘ thanks to its beaches with bright white sand and electric blue seas, with holidays from £165pp.
Montenegro offers £255 holidays and even has been referred to as ‘St Tropez with Benidorm prices’ by one travel expert.
UK Holidays
Best Western GEM stays
Best Western package hotel stays with activities, like with their soft play family breakCredit: Best Western
Forget paying for just a bed for the night. Best Western’s GEM stays are hotel break packages with your room, food, and extra perks completely sorted for you.
The GEM packages stand for ‘Great Escapes, Memorable Stays’ and are centred around a huge variety of fun experiences.
The Somerset Family Escape package (from £123.38 per night) bundles in a family stay for two adults and one child with breakfast plus soft play access for the kids while parents can unwind in the spa.
Whereas the Ultimate Girls Night In package at Brackenborough Lakes & Resort reserves a hot tub lodge for two nights, breakfast each morning, three bottles of Prosecco and £15 takeaway credit per person from £44.50pp per night.
Wowcher
Head to Manchester for a swanky city break for £105 with Wowcher (41% off)Credit: Getty
The UK holidays section of Wowcher is hiding some serious bargains, from spa weekends, to city hotel stays, to rural retreats.
Look for any offers with the pink ‘Price Drop’ label to find the cheapest deals.
Some of the top offers for UK breaks on Wowcher right now include a 4* break in Manchester for two with breakfast for £105, shaving 41 per cent off full-price.
Another fantastic offer is for a wellness retreat to Woodford Bridge Country Club, where four people can escape for four nights from £79 (£4.94pp per night).
Travelzoo
Stay in Northumberland’s National Park for £59 with this Travelzoo bargainCredit: Getty
Travelzoo’s UK holiday deals are just as impressive as their deals for holidays abroad.
You can stay at one of the world’s oldest inns, The Olde Bell in Hurley, from £75 a night with breakfast. This saves you 48 per cent when compared to booking direct.
Another great deal is this two night break in Northumberland for £89pp, which puts you up in the Riverdale Hall Hotel which overlooks the Northumberland National Park.
And that super cheap £59 deal? It’s for a seafront stay in Eastbourne, with an overnight break for two at the The Lansdowne hotel, working out to only £29.50pp.
Remember, however, that you have to be a Travelzoo member to unlock these deals (£30 per year).
Holiday parks
If you opt for a cosy glamping pod instead of a caravan when booking you can save extraCredit: parkdeanresorts.co.uk
Whether you enjoy pitching up a tent, cosying up in a caravan or even splashing out on a hot tub lodge, holiday parks have stays to suit all budgets.
Choosing to stay in a holiday park can be a fantastic way to tick off a new UK destination without having to fork out on an expensive hotel.
You can often bag a three or four night family break at a holiday park for £90-£100 if you know where to look, which would typically only get you one night in a hotel!
£9.50 Holidays
If you’re looking for a super cheap getaway, The Sun’s £9.50 holidays offer some of the best rates out there, which are often significantly cheaper than booking with the same park direct.
The bargain holidays are released in stages throughout the year, with the biggest Hols from £9.50 drop taking place in January,
As a Sun Club member you can bag your break earlier than anyone else – so make use of this perk!
Make sure to check the Sun Club Offers Hub and club950.co.uk to keep updated with Hols from £9.50 releases.
Parkdean Resorts & Park Holidays
If the £9.50 holiday booking window is closed, Parkdean Resorts and Park Holidays offer some of the best rates among UK holiday parks.
Look out for Parkdean’s last minute breaks page where you can bag a three night stay in Norfolk from £99 or Cornwall from £109.
Park Holidays have 50+ award-winning parks across the UK – their short breaks page offers stays from £129.
Want to save even more? Go for a cosy wooden glamping pod instead of a caravan with Park Holidays, and you can stay from £50 for a two night break. These pods sleep four, so that’s only £6.25pp per night.
QUIET beaches, cosy hot chocolates in the caravan, loads of rainy day activities for the kids: October half term is the perfect time for a family getaway.
Especially when you can head off on holiday for as little as £2.75pp a night.
Parkdean Resorts are running Halloween activities across 59 holiday parks this OctoberCredit: Parkdean Resorts
Rather than just offering a cheap bed for the week, these holiday parks are running action-packed Halloween activity schedules, with everything from monster talent shows to good-old pumpkin carving.
Plus we’ve purposely picked out spots with plenty more to do off-site, such as a scare fest takeovers at a seaside theme park and a Halloween steam train ride where kids go free.
Better yet, all of these affordable deals are for holidays within the October half term. Many of them begin from Friday night, meaning you collect the kids straight from school and head straight into half term fun.
From the misty Moray coast in Scotland to seaside Halloween fun in Skegness, here’s our favourite UK holiday parks to visit this October half term – from as little as £2.75pp per night.
Butlin’s October Half Term stays
Visit the fairground as it becomes the ‘Scareground’ this Halloween at Butlin’sCredit: Butlins
If you visit to Butlin’s this October half term, expect to find everything fully decked out for Halloween.
The fairground will become the ‘Scareground‘, where monsters lurk in thick fog and you can experience the rides at night in glowing neon green.
The classic ‘Night at Reds’ show held by the Butlin’s redcoats has been given a monster makeover, with Halloween-themed games, sing-a-longs and an ‘Eerily Silent Disco’.
Throw in a mega Halloween Welcome Party, character photo shoots, themed pottery painting and pumpkin-carving sessions, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly spooky break.
Plus, new for 2026, you’ll find the Skyline Gang Monster Mash – a talent show starring the classic characters with a different winner each night.
We found a four night break at Butlin’s Minehead in a standard family room sleeping four for £44, which works out to £2.75pp per night.
Parkdean Heacham Beach, Norfolk
Let loose at the zombie rave at Parkdean Resorts Heacham BeachCredit: Facebook
Head to West Norfolk’s Heacham Beach holiday park for an autumn seaside break packed with plenty of spookiness.
Free themed activities include nighttime guided ghost walks around the park, and ‘Professor Slime’, where kids step into the slime lab to create their own concoctions.
In the evenings, settle down for the Quiz Nation Halloween Special where you can put your knowledge to the test against other holiday parks across the UK.
Or, if you come alive with energy at nighttime, stomp your way over to the Zombie Rave, where you can dance the night away.
If you fancy getting out and about, Church Farm Pumpkins sits on the edge of the village and is the perfect pumpkin patch for pictures and picking your own.
We found a three night stay from October 23 in a Bronze caravan sleeping six for £229, working out to £12.72pp per night.
Parkdean are running Halloween activities across 59 holiday parks between October 2 – November 1, with a more extensive activity program during the half term break.
If you’re looking to stay at another Parkdean resort, the following holiday parks won’t have the Halloween activities: Church Point, Fallbarrow, Gatebeck, Limefitt, and Todber Valley.
Haven Skegness
Make your own Halloween-themed bear on a Haven holiday this OctoberCredit: Haven
Whether you want to visit a seaside theme park for a creepy scare fest, or go ghost-hunting along the coast, Haven Skegness is ideal for a family Halloween break.
Haven are running loads of Halloween activities this year across their parks, including crafty activities like Halloween Make a Bear and build your own Halloween basket.
Even the food and drink will receive a Halloween twist, as grown-ups can grab a Ghoula Colada or Cursed Lagoon cocktail.
Make sure to step off-site to visit Fear Island, theme park Fantasy Island‘s scare fest where you can dip in and out of immersive zones like creepy cabins inhabited by clowns.
Fear Island takes place on the following dates: 17-18, 21-25 and 28 Oct October, as well as November 1. If you book ahead online you can save 10%.
We found a deal for a three night stay at Haven Skegness from October 23 in a Saver caravan sleeping four for £205, working out to £12.81pp per night.
Parkdean Node’s Point, Isle of Wight
There are special Halloween-themed character shows at Parkdean Resorts this HalloweenCredit: Facebook
This Isle of Wight holiday park isn’t just for visiting in the summer, it makes for a fantastic October break, too.
At Havenstreet Station, you can board the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for its magical ‘Witches, Wands and Whistles‘ event (17 – 31 October) where kids go free on a themed train ride (adults £26).
Or for a free afternoon out, go on a ghost hunt around the ancient stone walls of Carisbrooke Castle.
On-site, Milkshake Mornings will take a Halloween twist, with a spooky story time as well as themed arts and crafts.
Older kids can make Halloween tie-dye t-shirts, or take part in The Wizard Academy show.
We found a three night break in a Gold caravan sleeping eight for £259, working out to £10.79pp per night.
Haven Quay West, South Wales
Head off on a Halloween-themed nature trail at Haven Quay WestCredit: Haven
Take a trip to Haunted Haven in pretty South Wales this October with a stay at Haven Quay West.
The holiday park is putting on an ‘Eerie Entertainment’ series, with a fancy dress parade featuring giant pumpkins, spiders and ghosts, as well as a Halloween edition of the Seaside Squad show.
During the day kids can get creative with sand art, pumpkin carving and even a Halloween nature trail, where you’ll get up close to creepy crawlies.
This park is also in an ideal setting for breezy autumn walks, with a woodland trail that leads you directly down to the beach, where you may even spot wild dolphins.
If you time your trip for Halloween night, you can stroll down to the harbour for a huge, free fireworks display which lights up the sky over the waters of Cardigan Bay.
We found a four night break in a Saver caravan sleeping four for £265, working out to £16.56pp per night.
Park Holidays Silver Sands, Scotland
Take part in classic pumpkin carving at Park Holidays Silver SandsCredit: Haven
Take an autumn break to the misty Moray Firth coast in Scotland with a stay at Park Holidays’ Silver Sands resort.
If you don’t want to brave a brisk beach walk out in stunning Lossiemouth or Cairngorms National Park, you can stay on-site to make use of the indoor heated swimming pool.
During the October half term, there’ll be everything from ghost storytelling to costume contests and classic pumpkin carving.
During the day, kids activities start from 10am and include bead art classes, Segways and wax workshops.
In the evening, settle down to kids shows from the Krazy Krew or stay late for karaoke, cabaret and bingo.
We found a four night break in a Gold caravan sleeping six for £161, working out to £6.71pp per night.
THE CEO of Ryanair has warned that there’s “no doubt” that air fares will rise by summer next year.
However, if you secure a deal now, it’s likely to be cheaper than if you wait until the last minute – and we’ve found some worth booking.
Ryanair boss has warned that flight prices will go up next yearCredit: GettyTo avoid soaring costs – book your summer break now rather than leave it last minuteCredit: Getty
The conflict in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the rising price of oil – it has recently increased to over $100 (£75.57) a barrel.
Some airlines have hedged their fuel (meaning they pay a set price) but this could come to an end if the conflict continues into next year.
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Talking about 2027, Michael O’Leary said that flight prices were “only going one way”, which is “significantly upward”.
He added: “Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.
“I have no doubt fares are rising next year. The question is by how much.”
If you want to bag yourself a summer holiday now before the price increases begin, here are some more affordable deals that we’ve found…
The Costas, Spain
Whether you want to hit the coast or the cities, Spain is always a safe option for Brits.
Consider coastal regions like the Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava and Costa de la Luz for your next break.
There are beautiful Mediterranean beaches with sandy shores and warm seas especially in the summer months – not to mention lots of spots are very affordable.
With On the Beach, book a stay for two at the Merce Hotel on the Costa Brava from July 1 for seven nights from £335pp – it has a rooftop pool, a restaurant and the seaside village has plenty of bars and coffee shops.
The Costa Brava has beautiful beaches and is a few hours from the UKCredit: Getty Images
Marrakesh, Morocco
For guaranteed sun, and short flights, Marrakesh is a great option when it comes to holidays.
The city centre has lots to see and explore like busy souks and huge palaces.
If you’re after a quieter break, there are lots of riads outside of the city – one of which is just beyond the Atlas Mountains.
A seven-night break for two in Marrakesh at the Riad Atlas Prestige between July 12 -19 can be booked from £279pp with loveholidays.
The small hotel has nine guestrooms with a roof terrace for dining and is close to waterfalls and a small village – the city centre can be reached in an hour and a half by car.
If you pay a £19 deposit today today – the rest can be paid in nine monthly instalments.
Marrakesh is a great option for summer with city and remote breaksCredit: GettyParts of Albania have been compared to the MaldivesCredit: Alamy
Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is predicted to be a popular destination next year thanks to its consistently growing tourist numbers.
Much of the coastline has white-sand beaches and bright blue waters with bustling beach clubs and bars.
Even better is that Albania sits around the mid-20s in spring, and during summertime can be over 30C.
The four-star Hotel Aliko is a few minutes away from the beach with views of both the sea and mountains.
Bulgaria
If you’re heading away with the kids in 2027 consider Bulgaria as a cheaper alternative when it comes to package breaks.
It doesn’t even take that log to get there with the average flight time of just over three hours and temperatures of up to 30C in August.
A family of four can opt for full board seven-night break at the Garden of Eden Hotel with loveholidays from £549pp between August 2-9.
The hotel sits right by a sandy beach, it has eight outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, a spa and there’s a children’s club during the summer too.
If you’re heading on a family holiday in 2027 – here are more options with some of the best deals from £36pp a month from Malta to Tenerife.
Here are some tips on how to find cheap flights…
Skyscanner is a great option for comparing the price of flights with various airlines – and it even have a price drop tool.
The feature claims to scour up to 80 billion prices a day and shows which destinations have seen flights that have dropped 20 per cent compared to the last week.
Google Flights is another search engine which compares flight prices and shows multiple airline options.
If you choose the ‘explore’ option, it can show the cheapest, direct flights across the world.
For even more hacks on when to fly, Expedia has put together a handy list on the cheapest days to fly – which is Friday.
Compared to travelling on a Saturday, jetting off the day before can save up to 18 per cent.
It also found that found that international travellers can save £93 on average by booking between 15 and 30 days ahead, instead of six months.
Where you fly from also makes a difference – some of the most expensive UK airports to fly from are London Heathrow, Humberside and Manchester..
A four night family break will cost you less than £100Credit: Facebook
Book a four-night family break for £99 (save £70)
You can bag a four night Tots Break for £99, which works out to £6.19pp per night if you’re a family of four.
On a Tots Break, kids eat completely for free with fresh, hot meals provided as part of the package. Based on a family of four, this can save you up to £70 extra.
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Kids can enjoy a free breakfast, lunch and dinner with main meals from the Starland Krew Menu, which includes favourites like beef burgers, tomato pasta and chicken strips and chips.
Not only can kids enjoy free food and drink, but there’s a whole host of free kids activities, too. So no need to feel like you’re constantly saying no, or watching your holiday budget spiral out of control.
Some of the free activities that are great for under-fives include messy play, Tots & Tunes music sessions, soft play and the purpose-built Tots Adventure Playground.
There’s even mini archery, mini fencing and ‘Mini Olympics’ on offer if you want to try a new skill together.
There are 40 resorts across the UK to choose fromCredit: SuppliedKids will be entertained the whole way throughCredit: Trip Advisor/ Skipsea Sands Management
All 40 Parkdean Resorts sites host Milkshake! Mornings, where kids can play, sing along and listen to stories from their favourite Milkshake! presenters.
Plus, fans of the popular Paw Patrol can meet and greet some of their favourite characters, such as Chase and Marshall.
As for evening entertainment, there are specific Tots early evening events, including discos, dances and even ‘kideoke’ sing-a-longs.
And if you’ve got little ones who love dressing up, make sure to go to the ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event, led by Parkdean’s own animal characters, the Krazy Krew.
Book a four-night family break for £99 (save £70)
All the kids meals are free too – giving them all the energy for the entire dayCredit: Trip Advisor/ Thorness Bay Management
Accommodation includes the comfortable Bronze caravans or even safari tents sleeping up to six, with the option to upgrade, too.
Caravans are sleek and spacious, with glam charcoal and cream-coloured interiors and fully kitted-out modern kitchens.
Inside you’ll find cosy sofas, freshly-made beds and large TVs to sit back and relax with a movie once the little ones have tuckered themselves out.
The safari tents feel more like a luxurious glamping getaway, with two bedrooms inside and their own decking with a seating area to enjoy your morning coffee.
Tots Breaks take place at dozens of Parkdean Resorts across the UK throughout all seasons, so make sure to check their website for availability.