A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.
Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.
Ribby Hall Village holiday park near Kirkham has announced plans for a new play area with a high ropes courseCredit: Fylde CouncilA go-kart track is also plannedCredit: Visit Lancashire
The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.
A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.
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Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.
Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.
And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.
For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.
Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.
Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.
Stays at Ribby Hall Village cost as little as £32pppn in the summerCredit: Ribby Hall
One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”
Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”
Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.
GONE are the days of dingy caravans in the drizzling rain – because the UK’s hottest holiday parks feel more like multi-million pound mega resorts.
Today, the best coastal holiday parks have been transformed into massive, all-action playgrounds that easily rival an overseas holiday.
These are some of the UK’S best and biggest seaside holiday parksCredit: Destination Selsey
We’re talking huge parks boasting their own on-site Wetherspoons for cheap family meals, massive indoor waterparks the kids will love and even theme parks right on your doorstep.
Best of all, you don’t need to blow your savings to get in on the action.
We’ve rounded up the ultimate action-packed resorts across the UK, with stays starting from an unbelievable £3.06 per person, per night – which, let’s face it, is probably cheaper than a pint at that on-site Spoons.
Here are the best mega holiday parks to book right now for a budget-friendly family staycation.
Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk
Grab a pint at The White Clover, the on-site Wetherspoons at Hopton Holiday VillageCredit: Haven
Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk is hard to beat – especially since it holds the current title for AA’s Holiday Park of the Year.
Fresh from a massive makeover, the park now has its very own Wetherspoons pub – The White Clover – as well as a newly-upgraded pool complex that has literally doubled in size.
This holiday park sits on the golden sands of Hopton-on-Sea, and is just 12 minutes down the road from the legendary Golden Mile of Great Yarmouth.
There you can grab a bag of hot, sugary donuts and stroll the pier, drop spare change into traditional two pence machines, or even tackle Pleasure Beach’s legendary wooden rollercoaster – one of only two in the UK.
When it comes to activities on-site, this site packs in everything from crazy golf and Segway tours, to a heated indoor pool complete with high-speed flumes and slides.
Once the day is done, you can head straight to the buzzing lounge bar to grab a drink and catch the fun-filled Seaside Squad entertainment.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £49.
If you’re looking for a last-minute summer staycation, the cheapest we found was for a four night break from July 31 for four people in a saver caravan for £249, or £15.56pp per night.
Unity Beach in Somerset has its own waterpark and theme park, plus it’s close to the beachCredit: unity beach somerset
You don’t just get a holiday park stay at Unity Beach in Somerset – you get a holiday park, theme park and a newly-revamped waterpark rolled into one.
Brean Theme Park is the UK’s largest free-entry theme park, and it packs in over 40 attractions – from outdoor rollercoasters and classic dodgems to a splashing log flume.
This summer also sees the reopening of the upgraded Unity Splash waterpark, which included both indoor and outdoor splash zones, waterslides, and rubber ring rides.
Kids can burn energy at the trampoline park, indoor soft play, crossbow shooting, or even axe throwing.
Not the mention you’ve got the epic, seven-mile stretch of Brean Sands beach right on your doorstep.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay from September 7 in a Bronze two bed caravan for £199, working out to £12.44pp per night.
Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, South Wales is the UK’s largest holiday parkCredit: Alamy
As the UK’s biggest holiday park – and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.
Situated in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.
But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.
Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.
Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a three night stay from September 7 in a bronze caravan sleeping four for £229. That works out to £19.08pp per night.
Craig Tara in Ayrshire is home to one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparksCredit: Caravan Lodge Holidays
Haven’s flagship Scottish resort, Craig Tara, is a colossal playground built for non-stop family fun.
This holiday park is home to Splashaway Bay, one of Scotland’s biggest indoor waterparks, which has its own lazy river, multi-lane slides and an enormous tipping bucket.
Kids can race down a speed-tracking flume to see their name on the daily leaderboard, or zip down a twisting waterslide lit up with vibrant neon lights.
Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, brave kids can scale the aerial ropes course or take a literal leap of faith from the six metre-high platform ‘The Jump’.
And if that’s not enough, you’ve got the Airspace sports hall, which is loaded with a climbing wall, electronic target zones, and a giant soft play arena.
Toddlers are just as well looked after, with dedicated baby sensory rooms and their own interactive splash zone.
This holiday park makes for the ultimate rainproof staycation, where the unpredictable Scottish weather won’t affect your holiday plans.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 14 for £49 total. That works out to £3.06pp per night.
Littlesea Holiday Park in Weymouth has lots to do on-site, plus nearby attractions like Durdle DoorCredit: Haven
If you’re after jaw-dropping sea views and a relaxing, slower-paced park, Haven’s Littlesea Holiday Park is a top choice.
With its own tranquil stretch of sand on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Haven Littlesea overlooks the serene Fleet Lagoon and has natural wonders like the stone arch of Durdle Door right on your doorstep.
On-site, kids can get their hands dirty with guided nature walks and bug hunts, plus there’s also creative pottery classes and lively games of beach bingo.
New additions to the park include the Football Fun Factory and The Tiger Club Show, making its return from the 90’s era of Haven entertainment.
As for food and drink, families can tuck into a pizza at Papa Johns, grab a burger from The Smash Shack, or tuck into some delicious fish and chips from Cook’s.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a three night stay from September 28 for four people in a saver caravan for £89. That works out to £7.42pp per night.
Stay at Thornwick Bay holiday park for access to a stunning cove with clear blue watersCredit: Emma and Gordon Taylor
Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay sits right on the edge of the dramatic Flamborough Headland, giving you instant access to a breathtaking beach backed by moss-topped cliffs.
This coastal hotspot is a paradise for little explorers, who can spend their mornings rock pooling, hunting for fossils, and poking around hidden sea caves.
You don’t even have to head to the ocean to get out on the water, thanks to a private on-site lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Indoors, the Activity Barn packs in climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime-making workshops, plus there’s an indoor pool complex complete with a multi-lane waterslide.
When it’s time to refuel, you can grab a box of Chopstix noodles or head to the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant where the kids can play in the garden’s sandpit.
Top it all off with a giant scoop from Bertie’s Ice Cream, and your next summer staycation is completely sorted.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night stay for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £49 total, or £3.06pp per night.
Devon Cliffs holiday park in Exmouth has an on-site Wetherspoons called The Red RocksCredit: Supplied
Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s biggest resorts, sloping right down to its very own award-winning private beach, Sandy Bay, where dramatic red cliffs meet the sea.
This coastal holiday park boasts a massive indoor pool with a speedy four-lane slide, alongside a sea-kayaking and paddle-boarding school right on the shore.
Back up on the cliffs, families can tackle a high ropes course, bounce on bungee trampolines, race mini 4x4s, or hurtle down high-speed rubber ring tube slides.
Eating on a budget is a breeze too, thanks to the park’s on-site Wetherspoons, The Red Rocks.
Parents can also escape for a seaside pint to the beach bar, or grab a bite to eat in the South Beach Cafe for sunsets and sea views.
There’s also two live entertainment venues hosting everything from classic bingo to nostalgic 90’s tribute shows.
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The cheapest stay we found was for a four night break for four people in a saver caravan from September 28 for £59, which works out to £Xpp per night.
THERE’S no better way to keep the kids cool in the heatwave than splashing in the pool – and there is a huge new £12million waterpark you can now go to in the UK.
The new water attraction, Lost Lagoon, has opened at Haven Kent Coast holiday park just in time for the summer holidays, and I was one of the first to visit.
Haven Kent Coast has opened a new £12million waterparkCredit: Facebook/HavenInside there is a new splash pad area for little onesCredit: Facebook/Haven
Taking a turn on outdoor flume Atlantis Falls, it should come with a health warning – its so addictively fun that you won’t want to leave it.
What I loved about the water ride is that it’s a cross between the outdoor rapids you find at other pools, which are usually set into the ground and can be a bit meandering over a gentle gradient, and a flume with a steeper slope.
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I was certainly taken by surprise, especially when I was unexpectedly bumped up into the air at speed right at the end…
As well as Atlantis Falls, the pool upgrade has an indoor splash pad with slides, sprays and tipping buckets.
My boys absolutely loved racing each other down the side-by-side slides at one end of the aqua- play frame called Coral Play, while the twisty tunnel water chutes at the other end of the splash pad also got the thumbs up.
Even my teen found it fun, so it’s clearly been designed for different ages to splash about together.
For younger guests it has a shallow baby pool as you enter the waterpark, which is perfect for little ones heading for their first swim.
There’s also Tiddlers Tide Pool, with its own little slide, water table and play area aimed at toddlers.
And the new indoor swimming Aqua Haven has been created by extending the building over the old outdoor pool.
The sprays coming from the play frame were perfect for cooling down menopausal mums during the heatwave as well…
For my family of five, heading to the pool is a non-negotiable on any holiday, so there’s a couple of things you need to know before visiting.
The pool isn’t currently opening on changeover days during term time, which is usually on Mondays and Fridays (although it will be open every day in peak periods).
There are side-by-side slides to race each other on tooCredit: Facebook/HavenTiddlers Tide Pool will also open at the park this yearCredit: Facebook/Haven
You can book up to 14 hour-long swim sessions per break on the MyHaven app, four weeks before your holiday starts.
You’ll want to do this in plenty of time, as most of the hour-long slots were full to capacity well before we arrived.
And you need to be 1.2 metres tall and a strong swimmer to go on the outdoor rapids, even if you have an adult in tow.
But it’s all worth it if you want to keep the whole family entertained.
Don’t worry if you don’t end up booking into the waterpark however, as there is loads to do at the holiday park outside of this.
It’s host to a huge adventure village, with everything from climbing walls and bungee trampolines to high ropes and kart hire.
There’s the onsite Wetherspoons, massive indoor arcade linking the pool, the two drinking holes, and the activity hub.
One thing that families will love this summer is that Haven is giving each child a £7.50 activity credit as part of the Great British Summer of Savings, the government’s VAT cut on kids’ activities.
The holiday park also has lots of other activities including climbing wallsCredit: Catherine LofthouseAnd you can stay from as little as £3.07 per person, per nightCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
We used ours towards booking some extra fun at the pool, including a go on the aqua jets for one child and a turn on the aqua inflatable for another.
You need to spend all of your activity credit in one go as you will lose the balance otherwise.
But book your stay far enough in advance, and you can snap up a four-night break for four people from just £49, which is equal to just £3.07 per person, per night.
WANT sun, sand and zero compromises this summer holiday? A solo break could be just the ticket.
As editor of 101 Singles Holidays, Tracey Davies is seeing more folk wanting to go away alone.
This summer, you can save £100 on its guided walking holiday in the Dolomites in northern ItalyCredit: GettySolo travel specialist Friendship Travel hosts brilliant HouseParty holidays in destinations across the Med, including this one in CorfuCredit: Getty
Skyscanner’s Global Travel Report shows an 83 per cent rise in bookings from the solo travel search filter compared to last year.
Want to go exploring on your own? Here are Tracey’s picks . . .
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A PASSAGE TO INDIA
Mercury Holidays’ ten-day Essence of North India for Solo Travellers tour is a great introduction to the countryCredit: Getty
Mercury Holidays’ ten-day Essence of North India for Solo Travellers tour is a great introduction to the country.
Take a rickshaw ride around Old Delhi, visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur and explore the historic Amber Fort.
Staying at the charming Regina Elena hotel in Caderzone Terme, the week-long holiday includes scenic walks around the Genova Valley and day trips to Lake Garda and Lake Nero.
GO: Walking in the Dolomites & Lake Garda is now £1,349, including flights, guided walks and most meals.
Regent Holidays’ five-day tour explores the Baltic capitals of Latvia and Lithuania.
Landing in Riga, you will spend two days exploring Latvia’s atmospheric capital, where a highlight is the food tour of the Central Market, housed in an old Zeppelin hangar.
Then take a first-class train ride to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius and enjoy the delights of its Old Town, staying two nights in the music-themed Rock’n’Roll Hotel.
GO: The Discover Riga & Vilnius tour is from £990, including flights, transfers, a room with breakfast, first-class train ticket and guided tours.
WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.
Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.
Bag a stay at the glamorous Hotel Collingwood, BW Signature Collection by Best Western for cheapCredit: Best Western
Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.
To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.
Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click hereto browse which ones are offering free breakfast.
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To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.
Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.
To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.
From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.
Seaside escape to Bournemouth
Book a break to Bournemouth with this Best Western package hotel dealCredit: supplied
Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.
This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.
When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.
Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.
Stay from £180 per night (for two)
Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch
Book the Swing & Stay package deal for a hotel break and an 18-hole round of golf, plus breakfastCredit: Redditch gold club
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.
The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.
Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.
Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.
Stay from £238 per night (for two)
VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham
Enjoy two hours of bottomless Prosecco at Birmingham’s Jazz & Blues Festival with this weekend breakCredit: Best Western
This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.
You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.
Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.
After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.
Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)
Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury
Book the Art of Mixology package to escape to Canterbury for a cocktail-making weekendCredit: Best Western
Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.
With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.
Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.
The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)
80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft
Attend Lowestoft’s Original 80’s Party Night with a stay at the Best Western The Hatfield HotelCredit: Best Western
Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.
Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.
The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.
Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)
Stay at Best Western’s posh Southcrest Manor hotel on your weekend golf breakCredit: TRIP Advisor
Conducted in partnership with TUI, the research looked into the average price of ten typical getaway items for a family of four in some of the most popular short-haul holiday destinations.
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These items included a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer/lager, a can of cola, a glass of wine, a large bottle of water, sun cream, insect repellent, children’s pizza or pasta, a two-course lunch for two adults and a three-course family meal with wine and soft drinks.
Overall, the Algarve was shown to be the least damaging to wallets with a total cost of £139.65 for all the above items.
This is a 2.7 per cent dip in overall costs from the previous year, pushing the sun-soaked region ahead of Bulgaria’s notoriously affordable Sunny Beach on the budget scale.
Sunny Beach still came in second place overall, however, despite a staggering 9.3 per cent hike in costs since 2025, with all ten holiday items coming in at a total of £142.16 — just a few quid more than the Algarve.
It is still the most affordable place for a meal out, though.
According to the research, dinner for a family of four will set the average holidaymaker back around £73, compared with £78 in the Algarve.
In general, the report looks promising for Brits who love Spain’s gorgeous costas and islands, too.
On the whole, the country was shown to be widely affordable with six destinations making it into the top ten most budget-friendly regions for 2026.
It was shown to be the cheapest spot for both a bottle of beer (£2.18) and adult lunch (£15.73), although some items like sun cream were found to be a bit more pricey.
Menorca, the Costa Brava and Tenerife came in fourth, fifth and sixth place on the list, with overall holiday item costs of £151.28, £155.02 and £158.31 respectively.
Each of these Spanish hot spots is new to the barometer for 2026, with TUI reporting increased demand for these destinations and Western Europe on a whole this year.
In all three holiday regions, a glass of wine was shown to be under £4 on average, with tipples in the Costa Brava and Tenerife costing less than they would in the Algarve.
On the other hand, if you’re a family with multiple hungry mouths to feed, you may want to set your sights on Marmaris, which came in seventh place overall.
The Canary isle of Lanzarote came in third place with overall costs of £147.42Credit: Getty
TOP TEN BARGAIN DESTINATIONS
The Algarve, Portugal (£139.65)
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (£142.16)
Lanzarote, Spain (£147.42)
Menorca, Spain (£151.28)
Costa Brava, Spain (£155.02)
Tenerife, Spain (£158.31)
Marmaris, Turkey (£158.33)
Costa del Sol, Spain (£163.17)
Costa Blanca, Spain (£173.41)
Paphos, Cyprus (£177.18)
According to the report, this Turkish destination has the most affordable kids meals of all 22 spots, setting holidaymakers back £10.24 on average for pizza or pasta for two kids.
That’s over £3 cheaper than in the winning budget destination, the Algarve, and could make a huge difference on a week-long getaway.
Laura Plunkett, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “It is more important than ever to do some research before heading off on your holiday to inform how much holiday cash you’ll need for meals, drinks and other tourist staples.
“For those families who haven’t already booked and are looking for a late deal, the low resort prices in Portugal and Spain make these countries great value for money, while Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts are strong contenders, too.”
At the opposite end of the scale, Italy’s Sorrento appeared to be the most expensive of all 22 destinations, with all ten of the holiday essentials costing £268.23 in total — almost double the price of the same items in the Algarve.
Holidaymakers visiting this Italian gem would be shelling out around £5.68 for a bottle of beer, £4.37 for a cup of coffee and a staggering £150.28 for a three-course family meal. Mamma Mia!
THIS popular East Yorkshire holiday park has undergone an epic multi-million pound transformation for 2026.
Skirlington Coast holiday park in East Yorkshire has received plenty of exciting additions this year, including a range of new activities – plus a brand new lido and waterpark to splash about in.
Skirlington Coast holiday park has undergone £10m worth of upgrades for summer 2026Credit: Skirlington Coast
Even better, the holiday park is available to book as part of The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50, meaning you can bag yourself a seriously affordable stay to check out all the new upgrades.
The holiday park have invested 10 million pounds into upgrading its grounds and facilities, such as introducing a new bandstand and festival gardens.
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But perhaps the most exciting new additions are its waterpark, lido and family activities.
The waterpark spans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.
Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.
Outdoors, kids can burn off their energy on the Giant Aqua Bounce inflatable, while adults can sunbathe on a comfy lounger.
As well as the waterpark upgrades, the park have also opened up a brand new lido.
The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if the weather does take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.
Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.
The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.
How to book your £9.50 holiday
Hols from £9.50 were restocked on Wednesday, July 8, with thousands of new holidays released across the UK and Europe.
If you didn’t collect the codes in the paper, you can access the holidays immediately by signing up to Sun Club.
Once you’re a member, go to theSun Club Offers hub and find Hols From £9.50.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break until booking closes on August 10.
You can browse the range of holiday parks available at club950.co.uk.
Enjoy the new lido at Skirlington Coast holiday park with a striped roof for shadeCredit: Skirlington Coast
Here you can grab a refreshing drink from the Festival Bar and soak up the scenery.
As well as housing the lido and outdoor waterpark, this area is also home to a brand new dog agility park – so if you like to bring your furry friend with you on holiday, this is the perfect place to teach them some new tricks.
The area also includes a new bike pump track, where younger children can zoom around a course and practice their skills on pump bikes that require no pedalling.
The other two zones within the Festival Gardens area are the outdoor playground and the activity tent, where you can have a go at new activities like axe throwing, rifle shooting and firing mini crossbows.
When it comes to food and drink, this park has plenty of options.
Grab a bite to eat at Sea Salt Fish and Chips to keep in line with the seaside holiday vibe, or tuck into a hearty full English breakfast at the cosy Wonky Donkey cafe.
Menus here are made with fussy eaters in mind, so expect lots of familiar favourites like burgers, pizzas, chips and nuggets.
A new bike pump track has opened as part of the £10m upgrades for summer 2026Credit: Skirlington CoastSkirlington Coast holiday park has both an indoor and outdoor waterparkCredit: Skirlington Coast
Accommodation ranges from camping and touring pitches to well-stocked holiday homes split up into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories.
The most simple Bronze caravan comes with a roomy open plan design with a modern kitchen and spacious living room, with a sofa that pulls out to turn into an extra bed.
The caravans also all come with central heating, double-glazed windows, Wi-Fi and beds made-up on arrival, so no need to worry about bringing your own linen like elsewhere.
The holiday park sits on Yorkshire’s beautiful, rugged coastline, with popular seaside town Hornsea a 10-minute drive away and Skipsea Beach just five minutes away.
NOTHING beats the pure joy of a family summer trip to a theme park or waterpark.
Except, of course, when you can stay there overnight for cheap and continue the thrills the next day.
Ride Mandrill Mayhem at Chessington World of Adventures and stay overnight on-siteCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAll three Butlin’s resorts have waterparks and fairgrounds, plus you can book a stay for under £3 per person a nightCredit: PA:Press Association
Waking up on the doorstep of world-class rollercoasters and giant wave pools makes a family getaway all the more magical – plus it means you can skip the drive home after a long day of fun.
From beach cabana-themed hotel rooms to seeing giraffes out of your window on safari stays, these theme parks and family resorts have fantastic accommodation options.
Here’s our pick of the best family breaks to book at the UK’s top theme parks and waterparks, with budget-friendly deals starting from an incredible £2.44 per person per night.
Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
Stay in the Caribbean-themed Splash Landings hotel at Alton TowersCredit: Alton Towers
Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire is a favourite among theme park fanatics, and it’s clear to see why.
The resort boasts world-class rollercoasters like Nemesis with its relentless G-force, and The Smiler, which holds the Guinness World Record for the rollercoaster with the most inversions.
But did you know that Alton Towers has its own waterpark and multiple hotels on-site, too?
While the resort’s woodland lodges, stargazing pods and luxury treehouses offer a fairytale-style escape, a stay at their Splash Landings hotel puts you on the doorstep of the on-site waterpark.
The Caribbean-inspired Splash Landings has playfully-styled family rooms, ranging from tropical beach hut themes to a unique ice cave room, and places you mere steps from the waterpark.
The hotel’s waterpark stretches both indoors and outdoors, and has bucketloads to do for families.
Thrill-seekers will love the Master Blaster water coaster, while those with little ones can relax in the gentle ‘Bubbly Wubbly pool’.
Stay at Alton Towers from £42pp
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For a bargain break, book Alton Towers’ Stay, Splash & Play offer
Butlin’s Bognor Regis has a Helter Skelter waterslide and seaside-themed ridesCredit: PA:Press Association
With three seaside resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, Butlin’s is a classic choice for a UK family getaway.
Entry to each resort’s waterpark, Splash Waterworld, is included in the price of a Butlin’s break.
With a theme that ‘brings the best of the British seaside inside’, at the Bognor Regis pool you’ll find a Helter Skelter waterslide and the Stick of Rock slides.
Meanwhile at Minehead, you can whirl around a huge space bowl, shoot down the speedy Blue Comet flume, or simply drift along the relaxing lazy river.
Over in Skegness, the waterpark boasts nearly 3,000 square metres of pool and play areas, which includes outdoor river rapids and a 60ft tall Vortex fast flume.
Not to mention each site has its own fairground, where access is also included in the price of your break.
Here you’ll find classic rides like carousels and waltzers all the way up to the Super Swing at Skegness, which drops you at a 27 degree angle.
Stay at Butlin’s from £2.44pp per night
Make use of the Butlin’s summer sale and save 30% on all 2026 breaks, including in the school summer holidays.
Deals start at £39 for a four night break for four people, which works out to £2.44pp per night.
You can even stay in a Capri-Sun-themed room at Chessington’s Safari HotelCredit: Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey is the ultimate choice for a high-energy family holiday.
The park is home to over 40 rides and attractions, including the hair-raising Vampire rollercoaster and the dizzying, spinning coaster Dragon’s Fury.
Exploring the World of Jumanji feels like stepping straight into a movie screen, where you can ride Mandrill Mayhem – the world’s only ‘launched wing coaster’ that rushes backwards and forwards past a giant jaguar.
The resort has two themed hotels located just a short walk from the theme park gates.
At the Safari Hotel, wake up and look out over the Wanyama Reserve, where you can watch giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam past your window.
Over at the Azteca Hotel, families can sleep inside a mystical jungle temple, with beautifully-decorated rooms that would make any kid feel like a real explorer. Some rooms even have slides inside.
Stay at Chessington World of Adventures from £35pp
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For the best value stay, book a short break in the Second Free Day summer sale.
This includes:
An overnight stay in a themed Chessington hotel, the Safari or Azteca, or a nearby partner hotel.
Two day theme park entry tickets (second day free).
Staying at the Big Blue Hotel puts you on the doorstep of Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Supplied
Blackpool‘s seafront theme park Pleasure Beach boasts legendary coasters like the Big One, which drops brave riders from a staggering 213ft, and Aviktas, a new gyro-swing ride which opened earlier this summer.
Little ones aren’t left out either, thanks to the dedicated Nickelodeon Land, where they can ride the Rugrats Lost River and meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.
To turn your theme park day into a weekend stay, the four-star Big Blue Hotel sits right on the edge of the park and offers a stylish and family-friendly place to retreat to.
Many hotel rooms offer breathtaking, front-seat views of the rollercoasters swooping past.
Plus the hotel even has its own private entrance to Pleasure Beach, and offers free theme park tickets from Sundays to Fridays.
Here you’re also only 10 minutes’ walk from Sandcastle Waterpark, with 18 waterslides and a tropical climate.
Stay at the Big Blue Hotel, Pleasure Beach Resort from £35pp
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Booking.com offer double rooms at The Big Blue Hotel – Blackpool Pleasure Beach from £70 per night, working out to £35pp.
Legoland Windsor Resort has three on-site hotels including the Castle HotelCredit: Arne Müller
Legoland is absolutely packed with immersive lands and kid-friendly rides – plus the on-site hotels and waterpark are just the cherry on top.
Soar through the air on Flight of the Sky Lion in Lego Mythica land, or race against a pal on the high-speed Minifigure Speedway coaster.
But the adventure doesn’t end when the theme park gates close, thanks to the resort’s spectacular themed hotels.
At the Legoland Resort Hotel, you can sleep inside fully immersive rooms styled around Lego Pirates, Ninjago, or Kingdom adventures.
At the luxurious Castle Hotel, choose between mystical wizard and brave knight suites.
There is also the tranquil Woodland Village, which offers a relaxed escape in cosy lodges (yes, these also fit the Lego theme) and circular camping barrels.
The resort also has several outdoor splash zones that are perfect for a sunny day.
Over in DUPLO Valley, kids can tackle Drench Towers – the largest water play structure in the UK packed with colourful slides and tipping buckets.
Splash Safari, on the other hand, has interactive water jets and large DUPLO animal figures that are perfect for little ones.
Stay at Legoland Windsor Resort from £60pp
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Book an overnight stay with breakfast at the Lego Woodland Village with two-day theme park tickets included from £150.
Stay at TLH Leisure Resort in Devon to be close to Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s biggest outdoor waterparkCredit: Google maps
While not strictly on-site, sunny Devon‘s TLH Leisure Resort has four mega hotels to pick from, and is just 10 minutes from the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.
The TLH Derwent Hotel is the biggest, with the Starlight Lounge providing sparkling evening entertainment like cabaret and bingo nights.
The TLH Victoria Hotel is an elegant option with two large ballrooms, and it regularly hosts dance stays and evening soirées.
The TLH Carlton Hotel is home to the Aztec Spa, with multiple swimming pools, a gym, and pampering treatments like Elemis facials and deep-tissue massage.
While at the hotel you’ll have access to both indoor and outdoor pools, plus the spa with its sauna, hot tub and steam room, the waterpark here is just down the road in Paignton.
Splashdown Quaywest is the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, and it sits next door to the golden sands of Goodrington beach.
The waterpark has adrenaline-pumping slides like the Devil’s Drop, where you plummet 65ft down into a black hole, and The Screamer, a high-speed slide that will take your breath away.
Plus kids will love clambering and climbing around Shipwreck Island – a new, giant themed play area in the water.
Stay at TLH Leisure Resort from £31pp
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Double rooms at TLH Leisure Resort hotels are available from £65 per night.
Family rooms, which sleep up to three, are available from £94 per night, working out to roughly £31pp per night.
AFTER a bargain family break? All-inclusive getaways to far-flung sunshine spots are seeing huge price cuts for this summer – so get booking.
The United Arab Emirates boasts the largest price drop, with holiday providers and hotels launching mega deals to entice Brits back after the outbreak of war in Iran, according to data from TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com.
Take a plunge and have a dip with some family funCredit: GettyUAE holiday favourite and sunshine city, DubaiCredit: Getty
All-inclusive family breaks in particular are looking cheap as chips, with the nightly cost of getaways down 25 per cent on the previous year in the UAE.
The study looked at all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing in August to popular holiday destinations, factoring in inflation, and found that, on average, a Middle East holiday would set families back just £169pp per night in August this year.
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Last year, it would have been £226pp per night.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Events in the Middle East have made some families think twice about where they travel this summer, and tour operators have responded by cutting prices.
“The result is destinations like the UAE and Egypt are offering some of the best value we’ve seen in years.”
The Dominican Republic has seen the second largest fall in prices, with dips of around 11 per cent on average from the previous year.
The average cost of a family getaway there would be £228pp per night this year, compared with £257pp per night in 2025.
Mauritius placed third in the price drop table, having seen a 10.9 per cent dip since 2025.
Mid-haul destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are also looking more affordable than they were last year, with reductions of 8.1 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.
Malta is the only European destination to see prices drop in 2026.
The average August cost fell from £137pp per night in 2025 to £136 in 2026, a dip of 0.9 per cent.
By comparison, some of Brits’ favourite European holiday hotspots have seen hikes since August last year.
Prices for Greece have risen by five per cent on all-inclusive family holidays.
Spain had the second-largest hike, with average costs rising by 3.9 per cent on the previous year.
But it was still one of the poll’s less expensive destinations for August 2026, with an average nightly cost of £155pp.
Overall, research shows Morocco looks set to be the cheapest destination.
An all-inclusive family holiday there will cost families as little as £120pp per night in August – a proper bargain when you consider flights, accommodation and all food and drink is included.
This was followed by Tunisia, Bulgaria and Malta, where the average August breaks are £124, £126 and £136pp per night respectively.
Chris said: “After a few years of holiday prices only seeming to move one way, it’s encouraging to see all-inclusive prices looking pretty steady for 2026.
“For families who are comfortable travelling further afield, there are genuine savings to be had — and comparing prices across providers is the best way to see where your budget stretches furthest.”
BOOKING something to look forward to doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.
In fact, you can jet off to trendy European capitals or unwind at a spa hotel in the British countryside for less than you’d think.
From European holidays to mystery breaks and spa staycations, here’s Wowcher’s top travel dealsCredit: Getty
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best Wowcher travel deals on offer right now, starting from £89 with options both in the UK and abroad.
Whether you want to hop on the Eurostar to the canals of Amsterdam, pop over to Paris for a 4* getaway, or take the ultimate £99 gamble on a mystery holiday, we’ve got you covered.
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Wowcher Mystery Holiday – £99
With a Wowcher mystery holiday you could land anywhere from Disneyland Paris to MiamiCredit: Alamy
This famous travel gamble lands you return flights and a minimum 3-star hotel stay for £99pp, with 100+ worldwide destinations in the mix.
While you could bag a sunny beach escape to Ibiza or a chic city break to Rome, the real jackpot is landing a long-haul trip to New York, Bali or the Maldives.
Other destinations where you could land a mystery holiday include Disneyland Paris, Thailand and Miami.
Book a £99 Wowcher Mystery Holiday
4* Peak District Countryside Spa Stay – £89
Take a relaxing trip to the Peak District and stay in a spa hotel for £89ppCredit: Alamy
Escape to the spectacular hills of the Peak District with this four-star spa staycation for two.
Situated on the edge of Staffordshire, this bargain break at The Three Horseshoes Country Inn includes a cosy overnight stay, a cooked breakfast, and access to the spa.
Nearvy, explore rock formations at The Roaches, go paddle-boarding at Rudyard Lake, or visit Alton Towers Resort, which is a 20-minute drive away.
Book a 4* Peak District Countryside Spa Stay from £89pp
4* Paris Getaway with Hotel, Flights, and Breakfast – £119
Stay two nights in Paris with return flights included for £119ppCredit: Getty
Whisk yourself away to Paris on a stylish, four-star city break from £119pp which includes return flights from your pick of nine UK airports, plus a two night stay and a delicious daily breakfast to fuel your sightseeing.
Stay at the sleek 4* Best Western Plus Suitcase Paris – La Défense, which has beautifully-designed contemporary rooms and a relaxing lounge bar.
Ticking off landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre is totally effortless too, thanks to a metro station just 300 meters from the hotel door with direct routes straight into the city centre.
Book a two-night city break to Paris from £119
Northampton Stay at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club – £104
This package Wowcher deal at a country club includes a two-course dinner, breakfast and a glass of wineCredit: Wowcher
Treat yourself to a countryside retreat with a stay at the Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, starting from just£104 for two people which includes delicious two-course dinner or buffet access, a complimentary glass of wine each, and a full breakfast.
You’ll also enjoy unlimited access to the on-site gym and sauna, plus handy perks like a 2pm early check-in and an 11am late check-out to stretch your relaxation time.
Golf fans can even tee off on the PGA European-tour standard course, while the hotel sits just a short drive away from the beautiful Daventry Country Park and the iconic Silverstone Circuit.
Book a stay at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club for £104
Amsterdam Eurostar Break with Hotel Stay – £139
Book a two-night city break in Amsterdam for £139 with WowcherCredit: Getty
Hop aboard the Eurostar for a seamless two-night city break to Amsterdam, with return Eurostar tickets plus a stay at the modern ibis Amsterdam City West, which places you close to the vibrant Westerpark.
Getting around the capital will be easy, too, with a metro station a five-minute stroll from the hotel door.
From there, a quick ride drops you right at Amsterdam Centraal, putting bucket-list attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and beautiful canal cruises within easy reach.
Hundreds of new Hols from £9.50 are being released across holiday parks in the UK and Europe this July.
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Tracy has been taking £9.50 holidays with The Sun for over 30 years – and has stayed across the UKCredit: Tracy Kennedy
To be among the first to bag your holiday for under a tenner, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.
While Sun readers collecting codes can access hundreds of new hols from July 8, Sun Club subscribers can bag the best deals a whole day early on July 7.
This gives Sun Club members priority in booking their desired dates and places at popular parks that might soon sell out.
To help you pick a park, our Queen of £9.50 Holidays Tracy Kennedy is here to share some of her favourite spots.
She’s picked her top holiday parks in beautifully British seaside towns with beachfront sports bars, waterslides and more.
Here’s Tracy’s guide to her favourite British seaside towns, and their holiday parks where you can stay from £9.50.
Lower Hyde, Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Lower Hyde holiday park gives you direct access to the charming town of Shanklin on the Isle of WightCredit: Getty
Tracy said: “The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite. I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it.
“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there. There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.
“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.
“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show. Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.
“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.
“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.
“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse,plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.
“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.
“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.
“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).
Parkdean Resorts Newquay, Cornwall
Book a stay at Parkdean Resorts Newquay for access to the popular stretch of Cornish coastCredit: Getty
Tracy said: “When I first arrived at Newquay Holiday Park I was totally flabbergasted. We stayed four days, and I don’t think it was long enough!
“The park has three outdoor pools which are perfect for hot days, and cracking evening entertainment.
“There’s also a 200ft-long waterslide and mini golf and amusements, which are perfect for a summer holiday.
“When you want to go out and explore Newquay itself, you’re only 10 minutes away by bus or car, and there’s buses right outside the park.
“Newquay is just beautiful. There’s 11 beaches there and they’re all gorgeous.
“There’s a traditional seaside promenade by Towan Beach too with seaside treats like candy floss and hot doughnuts.
“It’s great for families as there’s lots of cafes and places to sit down, an Asda if you need to pick up any last-minute bits, and the seafront here actually has proper toilets!
“We visited all the local beaches and walked past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made: The Headland.
“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.
“Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!”
Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales
Tracy Kennedy enjoys the pool, activities and the entertainment at Lower Hyde holiday parkCredit: Google maps
Tracy said: “This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments ready for this summer.
“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food.
“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.
“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.
“Ilast went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too. The costume characters come out to meet the kids after shows.
“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.
“I’d recommend going for the highest-ranking caravan option if you can, which is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.
“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money.
“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good.
“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park. You might even see some seals – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.
“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a miniature train that takes you around the town (£4 per adult £3 per child).
“A trip into Rhyl could even be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.
Seal Bay, West Sussex
Seal Bay in West Sussex is one of the most popular sites at club950.co.ukCredit: Google maps
Tracy said: “Seal Bay is a very popular holiday park, and for good reason.
“The site feels like one big party park. It’s got its own fairground on-site, and it’s directly on the beach.
“There’s a free bus that picks you up and takes you where you want all around the park – which is especially great if you’re not so mobile.
“The entertainment here is spectacular. It’s not just your standard holiday park shows, there’s aerial performances, fire eaters and all sorts.
“They’ve got a great sports bar too, and its right on the beach. So you don’t even have to leave site if you don’t want to.
“Plus there’s a lovely outdoor seating area where you can have Greek gyros, burritos and ice cream. My teenager loves her takeaways!
“If you do want to get off-site and explore, you can go to Bognor Regis for the day.
“Bognor is a truly Great British seaside town. It’s got a beautiful seafront, a small traditional pier, and all the classics like hot doughnuts and fish and chip shops by the sea.
“You could easily spend a full day in Chichester, too.
“It’s a historical town with a great big cathedral and lots of interesting things to do, like museums and galleries.”
“Seal Bay is also one of the parks that offers dates during the school holidays with Hols from £9.50 – and you’re not going to get a holiday there any cheaper if you book direct.
“So if you’ve been wanting to visit a popular site like this one, it’s definitely worth doing it through £9.50 Holidays.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
QUEEN of the Sun £9.50 holiday, Tracy Kennedy, is back to answer your burning questions on all things budget breaks
Tracy has been taking £9.50 holidays for 30 years, and even runs a Facebook group dedicated to helping people book their Sun holidays.
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Our Hols from £9.50 Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy is here to help you pick the right holiday park for youCredit: Paul Tonge
Now she’s here to answer all things Hols from £9.50, from how to get a good deal during the school holidays to the items she can never leave without packing.
You can leave a question for Tracy by filling out the form above, and with each Q&A with Tracy we will pick one lucky reader to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
This week’s winner of a £100 Amazon voucher is Stephanie Marriott. Congratulations, Stephanie!
Yes! The next top up is coming on July 7 for Sun Club members, and July 8 for people collecting codes.
The first lot of £9.50 holidays come out in January, but there are many promotions throughout the year. The cheapest holidays do tend to go quick, but don’t let that put you off.
My secret tip is that some people book and then they choose to upgrade, so those cheaper dates that were once sold out come back and are then released again.
And if you are signed up to Sun Club, you’ll get first pick of the holidays during each top-up.
Always keep an eye out for the top-up promotions and check the website regularly.
Hols from £9.50 are having a major restock this July, where Sun Club members can book earlyCredit: Destination Selsey
How do I get a good deal during the school holidays?
Fiona Curry
If you have specific dates in mind, I always recommend being up and waiting for the moment when the £9.50 holidays are released.
Sun Club get to book first, so I’d recommend joining so you get first access. It’s only £1.99 a month, and we all stay up for when access opens to Sun Club members at midnight.
That way you get to book your holiday before the final codes drop.
Firstly, research the parks you’d like to go to, and have all the parks and dates you’d ideally want written down in front of you.
Just in case they don’t come up, I suggest having some alternatives that you wouldn’t mind going to.
Not every park has availability during the school summer holidays, but quite a few of them do.
There is also quite a lot of availability in other school holiday periods, like October half term, which can be a lovely time to go with lots of themed activities.
Seal Bay and Golden Coast are two family-friendly parks that have offered dates in the school summer holidays – and you’re not going to find a holiday at popular parks like that for a cheaper price anywhere else.
What is your essential packing item? Not the obvious (food, clothes, towels) but a little something that makes the trip so much easier?
Lorraine Cooper
Every time I go away, I take an essentials box with me. My mum used to always bring one on trips when I was little, and now I do the same.
It’s basically a box packed with all your essential bits, like washing up liquid and sponges. I even take those little travel-sized bottles and siphon off any cleaning products or toiletries into them.
We also bring tins, pasta, spices, non-perishable foods like that. The kind of bits you’d reach for in your cupboard at home, that might not be there in your caravan.
Bringing those sorts of bits with you will save you spending an extortionate amount at the on-site shop. Then you only need to buy any fresh food once you’re there.
Also, always pack a tin opener and potato peeler, just in case!
Tracy recommends a trip to Seal Bay for a longer break, as there are plenty of on-site activitiesCredit: Seal Bay, Cove UK
What are the best parks for a longer (seven day) trip?
Sharath Reddy
For a longer trip, you’ll want a holiday park with loads to do on-site so that there’s enough to keep you busy for a whole week.
For this I’d recommend Seal Bay in Selsey, which is in West Sussex. It’s definitely got enough to keep you busy.
On site it feels like one big party park. Seal Bay has its own fairground and it’s right on the beach, so definitely have a beach day. There’s even a bar which is practically on the beach.
It’s also got a lovely big pool with lots of water activities, so you could also have a pool day. It’s also got a Wave Rider surfing machine.
Then when you want to explore off-site you’ve got Bognor Regis, Chichester and Littlehampton all nearby.
You could easily spend a full day in Chichester. It’s a town with a great big cathedral and lots of artsy and historical things to do, with museums and galleries.
In Littlehampton you’ve got beaches and Harbour Park with rollercoasters, and it also has a miniature railway.
Then of course you’ve got Bognor Regis, which is a fantastic British seaside town. It’s got a beautiful seafront, a small traditional pier, and all the classics like hot doughnuts and fish and chip shops by the sea.
You could even buy a day pass to Butlins if you wanted. So you can bag a cheap stay with £9.50 holidays, then buy a Butlins day pass to go over and do all their daytime activities and visit the fairground.
Hundreds of new Hols from £9.50 will become available at club950.co.ukCredit: parkdean resorts camber sands
What would you suggest to make a £9.50 holiday a bit more manageable for SEN families?
Stephanie Marriott
I actually get this question a lot in my Facebook group, and it’s a very important one.
Depending on how old your children are, if you can go away outside of the school holidays, then do. The parks tend to be a lot quieter which can be helpful.
But if that isn’t doable, you can always ring the site and ask if they have any special hours for kids with extra needs. Quite a lot of them offer a quiet hour at the pool, for example.
I’d also recommend having a look at the activities and entertainment program ahead of time to see what you would like to spend each day doing.
There are usually things like arts and crafts and indoor activities which might be a bit quieter than the full-on evening entertainment.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
HUNDREDS of new £9.50 holidays are set to land this July – including popular holiday parks with previously sold-out dates.
Over at club950.co.uk, Sun readers will soon be able to bag themselves a bargain break at a range of holiday parks across the UK and Europe.
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Queen of the £9.50 holiday Tracy Kennedy is back to answer all things holiday parksCredit: Paul Tonge
Ahead of the new drop of holidays, our Hols from £9.50 Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy is here to answer your questions.
Tracy Kennedy has been taking £9.50 holidays for 30 years, and has tried and tested holiday parks everywhere from the Isle of Wight to Wales, and nearly 300,000 follow her advice online about taking The Sun’s budget breaks.
This week, she is answering everything from how to actually book yourself a £9.50 holiday, to the most peaceful holiday parks with walking trails.
You can ask Tracy your own question by filling out the form. As we release each Q&A with Tracy, one lucky reader will be picked to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
Are there any more ways to get a £9.50 holiday this year?
Skye Sinclair
Yes, there is! There is another lot of £9.50 holidays coming in July.
Sun Club members can book from one minute past midnight on July 7, and people collecting codes will be able to book from Wednesday July 8.
If you’ve never done a £9.50 holiday before, there are a few different ways to do it.
You can collect the codes that will appear in the newspaper each day, or join Sun Club (£1.99 per month) and book without having to buy the paper and collect the codes.
Before all of this, make sure to go and have a look on the £9.50 holiday website to see which parks are available that you’d like to go to.
The holidays start from £9.50 per person, and yes you can really book them for that cheap.
Then it’s up to you if you want to upgrade your accommodation or add on any passes.
So your cheapest holiday for a family of four would be £38 – I have never found a holiday online any cheaper than that!
New holidays will become available on the Hols from £9.50 site on July 8, or July 7 for Sun Club membersCredit: TripAdvisor
Do you have regular go to easy meals that you like to make when you go on holiday in a caravan?
Emma Bush
I cook quite a lot when I go away on holiday, and if I’m going to be cooking, it’s got to be quick and easy.
No roast dinners or fancy meals here – some people in my group do that in their caravans, and I think it’s great!
But for me I always bring cupboard foods like pasta and sauces, so that I always have something quick and easy to cook.
Another one of my favourites is hot dogs. They take just minutes to make and will cost you far less than any of the fancy, expensive ones they sell on-site.
Most caravans will come with a fully-equipped kitchen with microwaves, hobs and a full oven, so you might as well make use of them and save yourself some money.
Another one of my favourite quick and easy meals to make is grabbing a hot rotisserie chicken from the supermarket and serving it with some potatoes and salad.
It’s very simple and you can do so much with the leftovers.
Tracy recommends a stay at Lyons Robin Hood for a peaceful park with beach access and walksCredit: Supplied
Which holiday parks are ideal for the elderly? Something quiet with some nice dog walks?
Charlotte Varns
My top tip for finding a quiet park is to go on holiday during school term time.
That way the parks will be much quieter, and you’ll often get a better deal outside of the school holidays, too.
In terms of specific parks, a few come to mind. North Wales is lovely and has some beautiful walks, so I’d recommend a few of the parks there.
Ty Mawr, Lyons Lido Beach and Golden Sands Rhyl are other options which all have beautiful coastal walks nearby.
Outside of Wales, I think Cherry Tree in Norfolk is a lovely option. Norfolk is very flat, so you can get out for walks and it won’t be too challenging.
Are the entertainment passes included, or do you buy them additionally?
Jonathan Smith
Usually the entertainment passes are additional add-ons.
But my secret tip would be to check online first, as there are actually some £9.50 parks that will include your entertainment passes in the price on certain dates.
Park Holidays Pakefield offers club room passes for free for all dates. Park Holidays Sand Le Mere also offers the same.
Make sure to research this ahead of time, as lots of other parks will also offer free passes for specific dates.
Tracy recommends Lower Hyde holiday park in Shanklin, which has a beach with a lift nearbyCredit: Parkdean Resorts
What are your recommendations for the most accessible sites?
Tracey Layton
Firstly, always make sure to call your holiday park and let them know that you will need an accessible caravan.
Lower Hyde in Shanklin is a great option, and if you’d like to go out and visit the beach there’s even a lift that takes you down to the seafront.
Plus to get to the beach lift from Lower Hyde, the ground is completely flat.
I’d also recommend Camber Sands holiday park. It’s a beautiful site that is also very flat, and you’ll have the beach right on your doorstep.
Some places across the UK have also started offering beach wheelchairs for hire.
If you’re wanting to visit a beachfront holiday park, I’d recommend looking up if the local beaches offer this.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
YOU don’t need to board a flight for massive waterparks, thrilling rollercoasters and sunset open-air movie nights.
The UK is home to some incredible mega resorts that pack in all the entertainment your family could want.
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Unity Beach holiday park in Brean has its own theme park, water park and beach nearbyCredit: SuppliedYou can stay at Trecco Bay, the biggest UK holiday park, with Sun Hols from £9.50Credit: trecco bay
And the best part is that you can book them with Hols from £9.50.
Hundreds of new £9.50 holidays are set to land over at club950.co.uk this July.
Being able to book an entire day early can make all the difference, as popular parks and dates send to sell out fast. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month, and you’l be ahead of the booking crowds.
We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best UK holiday parks with new dates dropping with the July £9.50 Hols top-up.
These include the UK’s biggest holiday park, and a popular beachfront resort with its own on-site theme park and waterpark.
Here’s our selection of the mega UK holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50 this July.
Unity Beach, Brean
Unity Beach in Somerset has its own theme park with fairground rides and rollercoastersCredit: Brean Theme Park
Unity Beach in Somerset is a huge award-winning resort with plenty to do for families, plus you’re just steps away from the seven mile stretch of beach at Brean Sands.
This park boasts its own theme park, Brean Theme Park, which the largest in the South West. It has over 40 attractions, including outdoor rollercoasters, classic dodgems and a log flume.
The park also has its own waterpark, Unity Splash, which is reopening this summer with new upgrades. There’s both an indoor and outdoor splash zone, with waterslides and rubber ring rides.
And if that’s not enough, there’s axe throwing, crossbow shooting, a trampoline park, indoor soft play and a nine hole golf course.
Billing Aquadrome, Northampton
Billing Aquadrome in Northampton has unique attractions like an inflatable course and alpaca farmCredit: meadow bay
Spread across 235 acres of parkland and lakes, Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire is a massive playground for family entertainment.
This newly-upgraded site is packed with unique activities, from a BMX pump track and alpaca feeding to paddleboard hire and its very own miniature railway.
The park puts on plenty of outdoor entertainment like silent discos and outdoor cinema shows, plus you can grab a bite at the on-site burger joint or dessert shop.
Then end your nights by retreating back to a cosy lakeside pod right on the water.
Golden Sands, Rhyl
Golden Sands in Rhyl sits on the North Wales coast near LlandudnoCredit: Alamy
Golden Sands Holiday Park in the traditional 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.
Trecco Bay, Porthcawl
Trecco Bay Holiday Park in Porthcawl is the largest in the UKCredit: Parkdean Resorts
As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, and the biggest in the UK, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of things to do at Trecco Bay.
Explore the sprawling pool with aqua jets that help you twist and turn under the water, or hop in an aqua paddler mini boat or inflatable jet ski and take in the views from up top.
Back on dry land there’s bumper zorbing and an outdoor battlefield for NERF guns, plus pirate-themed golf and a Make a Bear zone where kids can create their own cuddly friend to take home.
When it comes to food and drink, you can pick from well known eateries like Papa Johns pizza, Burger King, Thunderbird Fried Chicken and sip on Costa Coffee.
Plus the town of Porthcawl is right on your doorstep, with multiple Blue Flag beaches, a scenic promenade to stroll and a funfair to enjoy.
Lighthouse Leisure, Dumfries
Stay at Lighthouse Leisure for stunning scenery and family attractions in nearby DumfriesCredit: Hoseasons
Just a stone’s throw away from the local beach and its landmark lighthouse, Lighthouse Leisure is a coastal, family-run park with a warm and friendly feel.
Entertainment here offers all the holiday park classics from kids evening discos to bingo, karaoke and race nights.
The site also has a heated indoor pool perfect for rainy days, plus an outdoor adventure playground that kids love to climb.
From here it’s a 28 minute drive to Dumfries, where you can take the kids to meet the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun or explore the massive ruins of Caerlaverock Castle.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
GOOD news for those who love a bargain break – The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50 are back
Hundreds of new affordable holidays will be added to the Club 950 website this week, including breaks in both the UK and Europe.
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Hundreds of new breaks, including previously sold-out dates, are set to land at club950.co.ukCredit: golden coast devonSun Club members will be able to access the next lot of £9.50 holidays an entire day earlyCredit: Destination Selsey
And if you are signed up to Sun Club, you will be able to bag yourself a holiday a whole day early – giving you priority when booking.
A range of dates will be available for last-minute holidays for 2026, as well as breaks to book ahead for 2027.
Even some popular holiday parks that have previously sold out will have new dates added to book.
Traditionally, Sun readers were able to book their £9.50 holiday by buying papers and collecting the codes that would appear in print over a series of days.
And while this is still an option, there is a faster way to gain access to these £9.50 holidays.
If you sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or £12 for a whole year, you can gain early access to the holidays on the £9.50 website.
Sun Club members will be able to access the new holidays a whole day early, from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7.
Whereas everybody else, including those collecting codes or booking via Sun Savers, will have to wait until the morning on Wednesday, July 8.
Once you are a Sun Club member you simply click a link on the Sun Club offers hub to be taken straight through to the website, no codes needed.
And by logging in from one minute past midnight, you can be among the first to pick whichever holiday you’d like before they sell out.
Popular UK holiday parks like Seal Bay in Selsey, Chichester are listed over at club950.co.ukCredit: Seal Bay
There are hundreds of holiday parks to pick from on the Hols from £9.50 website, including popular UK parks and even beachfront resorts in places like Spain and Italy.
Some of the most popular UK holiday parks offered by Hols from £9.50 include Seal Bay in Chichester and Hendra in Newquay.
But that’s not all for Sun Club members – there are plenty of other perks that come with signing up, too.
Sun Club members can claim free and discounted tickets to attractions and events across the UK, including top theme parks, darts nights and days out at the races.
In fact Tracy Kennedy, The Sun’s £9.50 Holiday Agony Aunt, saved £974 in one year on holidays and days out by being a Sun Club member.
Tracy totted up her savings from her £9.50 holidays as well as free and discounted attraction tickets, and was astonished to find out that she had saved herself nearly a grand across the year.
Current offers available for Sun Club members include up to 60% off West End shows, free racing tickets, and the cheapest tickets to Drayton Manor available anywhere.
There are also plenty of freebies up for grabs too, like free audiobooks, ebooks and a summer skincare bundle.
You can even book a European holiday with Sun Hols from £9.50 in countries like France and SpainCredit: Camping France
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
SUN Hols from £9.50 are back, with thousands more bargain breaks being released next week.
If you’re still looking to book an affordable holiday to look forward to with the family, then you’re in luck.
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Seal Bay has a surfing simulator that is loved by kids and adults alikeCredit: Seal Bay, Cove UK
We’ve rounded up 9 of the top UK Hols from £9.50 resorts receiving NEW breaks to book from next week – and it turns out they are some of the most popular holiday parks among Sun readers.
BUT… if you want early access to be one of the first to bag a booking, then join Sun Club for £1.99 a month, or £12 for the year, as Sun Club members get priority access when booking.
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked on Wednesday, July 8, with thousands of new holidays available.
But if you want to book them earlier than anyone else, you shouldsign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month, or £12 for the year.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, July 7.
Lighthouse Leisure
Two minutes’ walk from the beach and the picturesque lighthouse that gives this holiday park its name, Lighthouse Leisure is a well-located holiday park.
This family resort is in Dumfries, Scotland, a beautiful market town which sits on the Anglo-Scottish border.
Nearby family days out include meeting the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun, visiting impressive castles like Century Caerlaverock, and learning about the famous Scottish writer at the Robert Burns House.
The holiday park itself however has plenty to do, like an outdoor play park which kids love to climb and an entertainment lounge and bar that grown-ups love to retire to in the evenings.
And with family discos, bingo, karaoke nights and more, you’ll be sure to make some lasting family memories on holiday here.
You couls visit Caerlaverock Castle on a day trip from Lighthouse Leisure resort in DumfriesCredit: GettySeal Bay offers accommodation from standard caravans, to beachfront pods, to luxury lodgesCredit: Seal Bay Resort
Seal Bay Resort
Seal Bay was the number 1 most popular park with £9.50 holidaymakers last year, and you can still book a holiday there in time for this Easter.
With so many activities for families of all ages, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit.
Kids can have a go on the park’s surfing simulator, tackle the climbing wall, or try their hand at digital darts, axe throwing and archery.
This resort sits smack-bang on the beachfront of Selsey, and accommodation includes everything from simple seaside caravans to luxurious glamping or beachfront pods.
All stays come with access to swimming pools and the resort’s top-rated entertainment, so there’s no need to fork out on extra passes.
Nearby there’s plenty of family attractions like the Harbour Park amusements and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
Hayling Island Holiday Park has accommodation overlooking the seaCredit: Booking.comGuests at Parkdean Resorts Landguard can also use the facilities at Parkdean Lower HydeCredit: Parkdean
Hayling Island Holiday Park
Just east of Portsmouth, Hayling Island is packed with family activities and golden beaches to explore.
Plus activities like a Wipeout inflatable course, disc golf and ‘Tough Mutter’ dog agility course are hard to find elsewhere!
The park comes alive at sunset with evening entertainment, which ranges from Glow Show DJ Battles to Freddie Fever, a celebration of the band Queen.
End the night by heading back to a luxury caravan with your own hot tub, and you’ve done holiday parks right.
Parkdean Resorts Landguard
Landguard is a tranquil town surrounded by forest and golden beaches, and this holiday park has direct access to its shores.
Parkdean Resorts Landguard offers touring and camping, as well as caravans and cosy wooden lodges that are a perfect fit for the woodland surroundings.
Entertainment here is of a high-standard, with Parkdean classics like the Krew animal characters hosting meet and greets, as well as unique options like slime and squishy toy-making.
Landguard is also only a stone’s throw from Parkdean Lower Hyde, and guests can enjoy double the fun and double the facilities between both parks.
Beautiful old village on the Isle of WightCredit: Getty
Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine
Walton-on-the-Naze is a charming countryside town by the sea, with a soft sand beach, seafront gardensa and a vintage pier to stroll.
The relaxing town is also only a few minutes’ drive to Frinton-on-Sea, another old-fashioned seaside town with plenty of walking routes waiting to be explored.
Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine is the ideal base to explore both areas, with cosy caravans that make the perfect retreat after a day out exploring.
Plus the on-site entertainment is well worth a visit here, with PAW Patrol Mighty Missions and Milkshake! mornings being just two of the exciting kids’ shows on offer.
Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
Billing Aqudrome in Northamptonshire is 235 acres of non-stop activities that kids will love.
Kids can get off their devices and in touch with nature with survival skills, den building, pond dipping, or by hopping on a paddle board or pedalo.
Plus there’s loads of other unique activities like BMX rides, dance classes and alpaca feeding.
Evening entertainment includes is all-singing and all-dancing, with fun extras like silent discos and a large outdoor amphitheatre with performances.
If you want to make the most of the nature, choose to stay in a cosy lakeside pod, or even bring your own tent to get back to basics.
And when it comes to food and drinks, there’s plenty kids will love, like the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop and Smash’d Town burger restaurant. There’s also healthier options like grazing boards available, too.
Billing Aquadrome has loads for kids to do, such as an inflatable obstacle courseCredit: meadow bayYou can walk from Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm to Clacton-on-Sea in just 10 minutesCredit: Getty
Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm
Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm has plenty to do, including both an indoor and outdoor pool, kid-friendly evening shows and lively bingo nights.
This fuss-free resort has caravans and lodges that are fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a stay, plus there’s accessible and dog-friendly options, too.
This holiday park is just 10 minutes’ walk from Clacton-on-Sea, the ideal seaside town for a family holiday.
Here you can jump on fairground rides, eat fish and chips by the sea, or test your luck on arcade games on the pier or at Clacton Pavilion.
Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde
Lower Hyde Holiday Park combines some of the very best in entertainment with a top location and plenty of food and drink options.
Sit down for a bite to eat at the family-friendly Barnhouse Bar and Restaurant, or grab a snack from the ever-popular Scoops ice cream parlour or Thunderbird Chicken shack.
Nearby you can pop into the cafes and shops of Sandown, or explore the beaches and coves of the rugged coastline.
This park is also close to the scenic town of Shanklin, where thatched-roof cottages line the picturesque old town.
Guests at Parkdean Lower Hyde can also use the facilities of the nearby Parkdean Landguard Holiday Park.
Shanklin is a postcard old town with thatched roof-buildings on the Isle of WightCredit: GettyGuests of Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay can enjoy golden sand beaches a short walk awayCredit: Getty
Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay
Sat on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay is a top pick for those who love beautiful natural landscapes.
The park sits within woodlands overlooking the sea, with plenty of coastal trails and walks on your doorstep.
But this peaceful location isn’t short on exciting things to do – here kids can enjoy zipping down the slide into the heated indoor swimming pool, or burn off some energy at the adventure playground or the sports courts.
There’s delicious dinner options at the Fish and Chippery, and top entertainment and cocktails at the Regatta View Showbar.
And you can end the night by catching some z’s in a comfy chalet, lodge or safari tent.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
Make the most of the sunshine down at the seafront, where you’ll find a historic promenade train and traditional pier with its own arcade and casino.
You can also buy day passes to Butlin’s Bognor Regis, and make use of unlimited fairground rides and the indoor waterpark with a Helter Skelter waterslide.
Plus you could even have a go on the resort’s brand new giant claw machine, which has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the largest in the world.
For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn have opened up a new hotel with fancy Premier Plus rooms right on the seafront.
Staying at the new hotel also gives you access to its glamorous lounge ‘The Social’, decked out with pink and neon decor, offering late night food and 2-for-1 cocktails.
Eastbourne has a three-mile beach plus an action-packed Victorian pier and adventure parkCredit: Alamy
With a warm microclimate protected by the South Downs, Eastbourne consistently ranks as one of the sunniest places in the UK.
The town enjoys 1,890+ hours of sunshine per year, which is 500 more than the average UK town.
The seaside town is bursting with exciting attractions, like the rainbow-coloured Tower Art Gallery and Royal Hippodrome Theatre showing music and comedy events.
Soak up the sunshine with an ice cream out on the Victorian pier, or take a ride on the miniature steam railway through the 12-acre EMSR adventure park.
Plus the town’s three-mile stretch of beach is backed by pretty beach huts and dotted with deck chairs and loungers, giving you plenty of spots to sit and sunbathe.
Shanklin town on the Isle of Wight has thatched roof cottages and a lift down to the seafrontCredit: Getty
Shanklin in the Isle of Wight has been crowned as the sunniest place to live in the UK, seeing 1,976 hours of sunshine per year.
The picturesque seaside town is known for its pretty thatched roof cottages, traditional tearoom and quaint shops and cafes.
Shanklin Beach is a golden stretch of sand perfect for families with a beachfront chippy, ice cream shops and a pirate-themed mini golf.
There’s even a clifftop lift that will transport visitors down from the town centre to the esplanade, making this beach a great accessible option.
Visit nearby Shanklin Chine to see the island’s oldest tourist attraction – a wooded ravine with charming narrow paths and bridges that take you to see waterfalls.
Book a stay in The Belmont hotel from £109 per night, which also offers discounts for the ferry to and from the island.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Southend-on-Sea in Essex is home to the longest pleasure pier in the worldCredit: Alamy
With an impressive 1,884 hours of sunshine per year, Southend consistently ranks as one of the sunniest destinations in the UK.
The seaside city is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, packed with restaurants, arcades, and kiosks selling sticks of rock and hot doughnuts.
You can brave the near two-mile walk out over the Thames Estuary, or simply hop on the quirky pier train to reach the very end for panoramic sea views.
You could also grab a wristband for Adventure Island for £30pp and make use of unlimited rollercoasters and fairground rides.
For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn has a well-located hotel on the Eastern Esplanade, putting you just steps from the sand.
EVERYONE loves a cheap holiday – and a budget airline is about to launch their own package deals from the UK.
Wizz Air has launched Wizz Holidays – a new holiday booking service, where you can get your flights, accommodation and transfers all in the same package.
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Wizz Air has launched a holiday booking platformCredit: Alamy
According to the airline,travellers can choose their destination and travel dates or browse the site with filters to find the best holiday deals – from city breaks to beach trips.
There are also options to add extras onto your booking, such as 25l luggage.
The new travel platform uses AI to find travellers personalised holiday packages.
According to local media, Wizz Air’s Chief Commercial Office Silvia Mosquera, said at the press conference yesterday: “Wizz Holidays offers a smarter solution that makes travel planning easier and more flexible.
“With our Unpackage Yourself message, we encourage our passengers to discover our competitive prices and the possibilities of multi-city travel.“
The platform is already live and due to launch in the UK soon.
While destinations from the UK haven’t been revealed, the airline heads to a number of popular spots including Alicante in Spain, Corfu in Greece and Rome in Italy.
And when the platform eventually launches for UK customers, Brits will be able to use the tool to plan and build a tailored holiday package which can include a different number of stops.
One of the current packages available for example, is a multi-stop trip in Italy, flying from Budapest.
The seven night trip would cost €600 (£513.03) per person including hotels, with four days in Lampedusa and then three days in Catania between August 28 and September 4.
Places like Alicante could be potential destinationsCredit: Alamy
Or perhaps you’d prefer to head to Portugal?
The deal from Budapest to Porto, includes five days there before flying to Lisbon and spending four days there for €445 (£380.50) per person between November 3 and 13.
A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Today’s launch marks the first phase of WIZZ Holidays, our smarter, more intuitive package holidays platform, which is initially available in selected markets.
“While holidays departing from the UK are not yet available, the UK remains an important market for Wizz Air.
“We’re working towards making WIZZ Holidays available to UK customers as part of the second phase of the rollout and look forward to sharing more details as soon as we can.”
WITH summer in full swing, there’s nothing quite like packing a bag and heading off to explore the best of Britain on a staycation.
But you don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy a brilliant break this year.
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You could book ‘The Art of Mixology Escape’ at the Abbots Barton Hotel in CanterburyCredit: Best Western
Best Western has 200+ great value hotels across the UK, plus they are currently offering FREE breakfast on selected 2026 breaks if you book them before July 31.
Click here to browse which Best Western hotels are offering free breakfast, which includes hundreds of country houses, seaside hotels and city stays across the UK.
Not only this, but they have put together special staycation packages which they call GEMS – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.
These are specially-curated breaks that include your stay, food, as well as special experiences like cocktail masterclasses, family activities and spa treatments.
We’ve rounded up the most exciting, best-value staycations across the UK that you can book with Best Western with very affordable rates.
From 80’s disco weekenders to wellness weekends by the sea, here’s our round-up of the best-value Best Western breaks this summer.
80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft
Head to Lowestoft for the Original 80’s Party Night! at the Best Western The Hatfield HotelCredit: Best Western
Lowestoft‘s original 80’s party night is taking place on the weekend of September 26-27 – and a stay at this Best Western hotel comes with a free ticket.
Spend your Saturday night boogieing to Chica DJ’s 80’s anthems, which range from famous rock and pop songs to sing-your-heart-out ballads.
Book a stay at Best Western’s Hatfield Hotel for your ticket, a comfy place to stay right on the seafront, and free breakfast included in the morning.
Stays start from £103.68 per night.
The Art of Mixology Escape – Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury
Stay at the Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury and enjoy a stone-baked pizza plus cocktail class in townCredit: Best Western
If cocktail classes and fresh stone-baked pizzas are up your street, then opt for this package stay at the Abbots Barn Hotel.
Once you’ve checked in, guests will head to The John in Canterbury, where you can take part in a cocktail masterclass and sit down to sip your own creations. Plus the prosecco on arrival truly sweetens the deal.
This stay also includes a delicious stone-baked pizza for dinner, plus a Full English breakfast with all the trimmings in the morning.
Make sure to spend time in the hotel itself, which is a grand Victorian Gothic property surrounded by two acres of peaceful, manicured gardens.
Stays start from £229.49 per night.
Wellness weekend – The Kings Arms, Christchuch
Stay at Best Western’s The Kings Arms in Christchuch and pick between a sauna, yoga or pilates sessionCredit: Best Western
Treat yourself to a wellness weekend at The Kings Arms hotel in Christchurch, Dorset this summer.
This GEM stay lets you pick a wellness treat from a 60-minute sauna session on Avon Beach, or a yoga or pilates class.
The relaxing stay also includes a free gift from Bramley and midday check out so you can enjoy a slow start in the morning.
Stays start from £131.97 per night.
Coastal escape – Hotel Collingwood, Bournemouth
Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth is part of the BW Signature Collection by Best WesternCredit: Best Western
Enjoy a three-night stay in sunny Bournemouth at Hotel Collingwood, a BW Signature Collection hotel with a luxurious feel.
This break includes a decadent three-course dinner each night as well as fresh Full English breakfasts in the morning, plus the Bubble Lounge Bar is the perfect classy spot to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Guests will also get full access to the Eden Spa, which has a pool, sauna and hydrotherapy treatments. You’ll also get 25 per cent off any spa treatments, so make sure to book yourself in for a massage.
Plus it’s easy to get out and discover Bournemouth with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket included with your stay.
Stays start from £180 per night.
Family stay with soft play – Centurion Hotel, Somerset
Stay as a family at the Best Western Plus Centurion Hotel and make use of the hotel’s soft playCredit: Best Western
Across the parks, kids’ meals will be cheaper and those who purchase a Play Pass as a part of their booking will also get a £7.50 voucher per child which can be use for any of the activities at Haven’s parks.
Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said: “Summer is a time for making memories, and that’s why we’re giving back up to £5 million to our guests and owners as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.
For example, all 39 Haven holiday parks are participatingCredit: Trip Advisor
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and we want to help our holidaymakers enjoy more of what matters – whether that’s a hole-in-one on the Crazy Golf, a leap of faith off The Jump tower or another shot to hit the bullseye in the Archery.”
The holiday park is located near Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland and is on a historic estate.
At the park you can head to a large indoor swimming pool with its own waterslide, or outside try out Aerial Adventure.
There’s also a Wetherspoons onsite for cheap tipples.
If you want to head away sooner than this, you could visit Haven Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park, which is Britain’s oldest holiday park.
Away Resorts have also confirmed they are participatingCredit: Trip Advisor
Not too far from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, the holiday park has direct access to the beach.
You can also head to the family activity hub onsite with off-road 4×4 mini karts.
There’s also both indoor and outdoor pools.
A four-night stay between July 6 and 10 costs from £169 – which equals just £10.57 per person, based on a family of four.
Butlin’s Minehead, Skegness and Bognor Regis will also participate in the scheme.
A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to support the Great British Summer Savings initiative by passing on the temporary VAT reduction where eligible.
“Families visiting our resorts will enjoy savings on Day Visits and children’s meals across a range of our dining venues during the campaign period.”
Away Resorts has also confirmed to Sun Travel that it will be participating in the scheme – all children’s food at Away Resorts will be reduced, even including kids eat for £1 for now less than £1.
Many of the parks have availability left for this summer with accommodation under £11pppnCredit: Trip Advisor
The resorts are also discounting show tickets.
Away Resorts still has lots of availability for the coming weeks as well as the summer holidays.
For example, you could stay at Tattershall Lakes in the Lincolnshire countryside.
The holiday park has both indoor and outdoor pools and is a great place to cool down in the head as you can head paddleboarding or jet skiing.
There’s also adventure golf, a high ropes course, zip-lining and even axe throwing.
A three-night stay between July 3 and 6 costs from £291 – which works out at £24.25 per person per night, based on a family of four.
Alternatively, if you wanted a holiday park break during the school summer holidays, you could head to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.
The holiday park is surrounded by forest and rolling hills and even has hot tubs.
Butlin’s has also confirmed it is participating in the schemeCredit: Darren Fletcher
As for things to do at the site, you can hire bikes and head off on a cycle.
And nearby, you could try out a round of golf at Worksop Golf Club & Clumber Park Lodges.
A three-night stay between August 13 and 16 costs from £420 – which works out at £35 per person per night, based on a family of four.
Center Parcs told Sun Travel: “While we welcome measures to support the hospitality and leisure sector, the majority of the VAT reductions announced are targeted at day attractions and therefore don’t apply to us here at Center Parcs.
“However, throughout the summer we have introduced our ‘Kids eat for £2’ promotion across our village restaurants during the summer holidays, which provides an even greater saving for guests.”
Over the period, Park Holidays are reducing their kids’ menus cost from £7.95 to £7.45.
Parkdean Resorts declined to comment.
Families will also be able to save money on children’s meals, cinema tickets, theatre shows, soft play centres, theme parks, museums and zoos.
There will also be free bus travel for children in England across August.
Sun Travel has contacted Park Holidays UK and Bluestone National Park Resort to see if they are participating.
LOOKING forward to a seaside staycation with the family this summer?
It can be hard to know where to book your next UK seaside holiday. With many Brits picking the same overcrowded spots, you can soon feel like you’re fighting for every square inch of sand on the beach.
You can stay in Wells-next-the-Sea in North Norfolk from £30 per nightCredit: AlamyOur Cornwall local recommends a trip to Boscastle, where you can walk to Willapark LookoutCredit: Getty
Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-radar stunning seaside towns and villages where you can enjoy a summer holiday without the crowds.
We’ve gathered travel insiders from Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Kent to share their favourite lesser-known holiday spots – with cheap pints, quiet beaches and stays from £30 a night.
Norfolk
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Jenna Stevens recommends visiting Wells-next-the-Sea for a traditional seaside breakCredit: Jenna Stevens
I grew up on the North West Norfolk coast, going quay jumping and crabbing after school with my friends.
Over the years, I’ve seen tourists flock to the same overcrowded spots time and again, while some of the prettiest towns and villages stay pretty much deserted.
While Cromer and Great Yarmouth make for great cheap and cheerful holidays, there are much prettier and less crowded options further west along the coast.
Wells-next-the-Sea is the picture-perfect seaside town. Walking down the high street, Staithe Street, feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll wander past an old-fashioned butcher’s, bakery and greengrocers on your downhill stroll towards the sea – plus plenty of trinket shops selling seashell earrings or buckets and spades.
The high street leads to the picturesque quay, where the Victorian Granary gantry jets out over the water, and you can watch fishermen haul in fresh catches throughout the day.
Here you’ll find the old-fashioned Pop Inn Amusements, a sweet shop selling giant lollies and classic sticks of rock, plus my favourite surfer dude-feel coffee shop, Wills of Wells.
Not to mention the fact that there’s a massive, golden, award-winning beach lined with colourful beach huts backed by a sprawling pine forest.
There’s a large beachside cafe too, plus you can stay by the sea at the Pinewoods Holiday Park, with camping and touring pitches from £30 per night.
While Wells is absolutely worth visiting, tourists have certainly caught on to its charm.
Further into West Norfolk, there are small towns and villages that offer true peace and quiet – where your only neighbours are grazing sheep.
Some of these best-kept secrets are Fring, Shernborne, Wolferton and Anmer.
They’re the kind of remote, rural villages perfect for a countryside walk where you won’t pass anyone but horse riders out on a hack.
You can bake your own bread at Bircham Windmill – and even camp on-siteCredit: Campsites..co.ukHand-feed the deer at Snettisham Park in West NorfolkCredit: Jenna stevens
Stay at nearby Bircham Windmill, where there are camping pitches for £36 a night.
In fact, this site makes for a fantastic family day out, where you can bake your own bread from scratch for £3.95 and climb up to the top of the mill for stunning views of the surrounding villages and fields.
Although it’s quiet, there’s plenty more to do nearby. Bottle feed lambs and hand feed deer at Snettisham Park, tour the royal grounds of Sandringham Estate, or sit down for a pint of local ale in the gloriously British pub The Rose and Crown.
Devon
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recommends a stay at the new Hotel Indigo by IHG in TorquayCredit: Cyann Fielding
Devon or Cornwall? I’m here to tell you don’t need to look further than Devon – with fewer crowds, heaps of beaches and the quaintest of villages, nothing quite beats it.
As a born and bred Devonian, one spot I will always shout about is the English Riviera.
Formed of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the coastal towns boast an unusual micro-climate for the UK that has allowed palm trees to thrive.
Named after the French Riviera, you can expect a similar vibe but for a fraction of the price.
Stay at the newly opened £20 million seafront Hotel Indigo by IHG in Torquay from £74 per night (and there are dog-friendly rooms) – you can’t get closer to the sea with only a road separating you from the beach.
From the hotel, stroll down to Abbey Sands Beach, where you will find red-pink sand backed by a green area and the famous Torre Abbey, which you can visit for £11pp.
On the other side of Abbey Sands, walk around the harbour, which is currently under development to make it into a swish seaside hub of restaurants and cafes.
Drop by Pier Point for some fish and chips on the way – which are often voted best in the country.
The English Riviera in Devon comprises of Paignton, Brixham and TorquayCredit: Cyann FieldingVisit the beach at Woolacombe in North Devon for picturesque coastal viewsCredit: Getty
For more traditional and quieter seaside towns, head to Dawlish or Teignmouth, where you will find seaside arcades and cheap cafes selling freshly made Devonshire delicacies such as pasties and cream teas.
It’s not all about the seaside in Devon, though – Dartmoor National Park sprawls over 368-square-miles with over 160 rocky tors, ideal for lengthy country walks with dramatic views.
One of the most accessible spots is Haytor, where you can head up to the tor from a car park – and don’t worry, it isn’t too steep a climb – and then nearby check out Haytor Quarry, which appears frozen in time with disused machinery still present.
Keep an eye out for wild ponies too, of which there are about 1,500.
For a historic spot – head to Exeter – a university city with a sandstone cathedral and bustling high street.
The city even has links to Harry Potter as J.K. Rowling once studied there, and it is thought that she based Diagon Alley on Gandy Street in the city centre.
For another unique spot, pop to Totnes – a town that has often been noted for its hippie lifestyle, free of big brands and chains.
Drop by on a Friday or Saturday to catch the antiques and food market, for bargain finds and huge Lebanese wraps setting you back a tenner (but big enough for two!).
In the North of the county, head to Woolacombe for the perfect holiday park break.
You could head to Golden Coast Holiday Park, for example, which costs from £219 for a seven-night break for a family of four – so just £7.83 per person per night.
The beach stretches over three miles, and there is an abundance of holiday parks around the town, many of which have evening entertainment, hot tubs on chalet decks and indoor and outdoor pools.
Kent
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recommends a trip to trendy Folkestone in KentCredit: Kara Godfrey
Kent has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, aided by the pandemic, which saw thousands of people leave the Big Smoke for sunnier and sandier climes.
As one of the many who did so, I’ve since lived in both Folkestone and Margate, which are both on the rise as trendy destinations.
(I have a soft spot for both Whitstable and Deal as well, although both are much more established seaside towns).
When it comes to Margate, there are two new boutique hotels, Fort Road Hotel and No.42 Guesthouse, which have opened in recent years, the latter of which has a fantastic rooftop bar in the summer.
I love heading to the George & Heart pub just outside of the Old Town, or Rose In June for a cosy pub pint.
If you want a bit of weird and wonderful, make sure to hit up the Shell Grotto – whose origin remains a mystery – or the Crab Museum, free to visit and the largest crab museum in Europe.
Both the Turner Museum and Dreamland are free too, so you can easily visit on a budget.
Folkestone is only a 52-minute train ride away from LondonCredit: GettyDeputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has lived across Kent in towns like Margate and BroadstairsCredit: Kara Godfrey – Commissioned by The Sun
The tidal lido is worth the trek, and you’ll be joined more by locals than tourists, but hop in before warming up with a coffee and sauna session.
It’s 52 minutes by train from London; you’ll never have to fight for space on the massive beach; it has the UK’s biggest beach sauna; it has so much art, including a Banksy – the hooks are endless.
Live music takes place at the Harbour Arms most weekends, and I highly recommend the Sunset Sessions at The Tasting Rooms for three courses and live jazz for £35.
Chase it with some oysters and a glass of champagne in The Lighthouse Champagne Bar – and you can even see France on a clear day.
Perhaps controversial, but even the touristy Good Yard food market is well worth a visit. No tourist traps here!
Katy Bright recommends visiting Strawberry Fields Lifton, particularly for their Tulip FestCredit: katy bright
Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve always had plenty of pretty places to explore. If I had to plan the perfect day in my home county, here are some places I would not miss.
Start the day off right with one of the best breakfasts around. Bude cafe The Coffee Pot offers £5 breakfasts with bacon, eggs, sausages and a hash brown, which cannot be faulted.
I may be biased, but I think Boscastle truly is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.
It’s a peaceful seaside sanctuary with a fascinating witchy history and beautiful walks, such as the one to Willapark Lookout.
Plus, it offers some of the best pub grub around – you’ve got to try the Cobweb Inn’s steak and ale pie (£13.95). Wash it down with a traditional Cornish ale.
Many tourists, of course, flock here, so it is important to learn to avoid the tourist traps.
Newquay, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, is just way too busy during school breaks.
If you’d like to visit, I would definitely recommend going outside of the school summer holidays, when it is quieter, and the queues are much less manic.
If you are a coffee or matcha fanatic, Blend makes some of the best drinks I’ve ever tasted. Their banana bread iced matcha is a personal favourite of mine.
Katy recommends trips to Boscastle, Bude, Trebarwith Strand and Whitsand BayCredit: katy brightGrab an iced banana bread matcha from Blend in NewquayCredit: katy bright
Something we all look for in a holiday to Cornwall is the best spots with a pint and a view – and my top pick for this is Trebarwith Strand’s, Port William.
A pub perched over the sea, it even offers cosy rooms for guests to stay in.
If you visit between mid-April and early May, you’ll be in my home county for one of my favourite events of the year.
Although it sits right on the border of Cornwall and Devon (so some may be a bit offended by me putting it in this list!) Strawberry Field Lifton’s ‘Tulip Fest’ makes for a very wholesome day out.
Picture a field full of half a million multicoloured tulip bulbs. There is something about walking around a field of endless tulips that just feels so whimsical.
An underrated place to stay is Whitsand Bay Fort holiday park. It’s very highly rated in online reviews, and it’s no surprise to me as a local – this is one of the best places to stay around.
Open all year, it offers both rooms and tent pitches with amazing views of Whitsand Bay. Pitches start at £15 a night, making it a super affordable and proper Cornish alternative to other popular places to stay.
IS there anything better than a traditional British seaside summer holiday when the sun shines?
Buckets and spades, Cadbury Flakes jammed into Mr. Whippy ice creams, rounds of seafront mini golf and travelling home with a stick of rock as a souvenir.
The harbour town of Whitby remains largely unchanged, overlooked by the 13th century abbeyCredit: GettyAldeburgh in Suffolk sees streets lined with pretty pastel-coloured housesCredit: Alamy
But let’s face it – some of our favourite resorts have become built up over the years with flashy neon arcades and attractions.
Over the years, our Travel team have visited seaside towns all over the UK, and a few stick out as traditional favourites that have remained nearly unchanged.
Not only this, but there’s heaps of history to be explored in these historic seaside towns, too.
From one of Britain’s best-preserved Medieval walls lined with gunports and stone towers, to 1950’s-style gelato bars serving up a retro knickerbocker glory, here’s Sun Travel’s favourite seaside towns that feel like stepping back in time.
Broadstairs, Kent
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Broadstairs is lined with colourful beach huts and sees a merry-go-round visit in summer monthsCredit: Alamy
The coastline of Broadstairs really does feel like you’re stepping back in time, from the retro huts lining the beach to the vintage merry go round that pops up in summer.
Forget the chaotic arcades and bustle – there’s just a small arcade on the top of the cliff, and most of the busy cafes and bars are further up from the sand.
Of course, expect it to be busy in the peak summer months, but visit in shoulder season and you’ll have most of the beach to yourself.
Morelli’s is an institution and a must – the retro 1950s gelato bar will satisfy that itch for a towering knickerblocker glory.
For the best chippy, The Mermaid is the go-to of locals, while the Charles Dickens’ pub (named after the famous author who once raved about Broadstairs) is the popular spot for a pint.
Personally, my favourite spot is the slightly trendier Bar Ingo, with basque tapas inspired small plates that have led to its multiple awards.
Want to make a weekend of it? Stay at Smith’s Townhouse, a recently opened boutique hotel that has some of the best coffee in town. Rooms from £160 a night. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.
Head of Travel Lisa Minot visited the quaint Cornish village of Portreath with her familyCredit: Lisa Minot
The pretty Cornish fishing village of Portreath has escaped the modern makeover of many of its neighbouring coastal resorts.
Its layout is still dictated by its 18th century industrial past with its historic harbour built to ship copper ore to Wales.
You can still walk or cycle the old Great Flat Lode tramways that once carried the minerals.
Set at the bottom of a steep-sided valley, the village is flanked by towering, rugged cliffs that look exactly the same as they did centuries ago.
You won’t find chain stores, amusement arcades or sprawling hotels here, the seafront and village streets are lined with traditional granite cottages alongside independent local cafes like the Pod Cafe overlooking the beach.
There are also a couple of very traditional Cornish pubs including the Portreath Arms and Basset Arms.
The beach is perfect for long walks with the dogs with the Atlantic swells crashing against its shores.
Stay at the Gwel An Mor Resort above the village with a woodland path to the beach.
This lovely resort of eco-chic pine lodges also features a restaurant, indoor pool and spa as well as tennis courts and indoor soft play and adventure course.
The beachfront holiday park offers four night stays for four people in a Bronze caravan from £119, or £7.44pp per night.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Great Yarmouth in Norfolk has a popular seafront promenade plus historical backstreets to exploreCredit: Alamy
Families have been flocking to the fairgrounds of Great Yarmouth for hundreds of years – and it still very much remains a popular seaside resort today.
Great Yarmouth saw a particularly big boom in holidaymakers in 1844 when the seaside railway opened, which transported visitors from the Midlands straight to the beach.
Today, Brits visit from all across the UK to try out top attractions like the rollercoasters of Pleasure Beach and watch the eye-catching shows of the Hippodrome Circus.
While these modern attractions are absolutely worth visiting, there’s plenty of historical sites here that go under the radar.
You might not expect it, but Great Yarmouth has the second-best preserved medieval town wall in England (following York).
You can still walk alongside the mile-long wall and see its massive flint towers and gunports, a scenic and historic walk away from the busier streets.
Here you can discover the town’s fishing heritage through hands-on family activities and transport back in time to the 1950’s quayside. Adult tickets cost £7.74 and child tickets (aged 4 – 17) cost £6.57.
For somewhere to stay, the Knights Court Hotel has rooms from £90 per night and sits directly on the seafront.
Or go for a stay at the award-winning Seashore Holiday Park, with Haven Hideaway offers from £49 for four people for four nights – which works out to £3.06pp per night.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommends a visit to Aldeburgh in SuffolkCredit: Alice Penwill
Counties like Norfolk and Essex are filled with noisy, arcade-filled seaside resorts.
But I recently discovered that those dotted along the Suffolk coastline are very different, especially when I found myself in Aldeburgh on a quiet spring weekend.
The promenade is protected so it means there can be no sellers or souvenir shops on the front, so it still maintains its feel of being a Victorian seaside town.
There’s nothing but towering pastel coloured merchant houses, fisherman’s cottages and of course, its long shingle beach.
The town is consistently referred to as being one of the prettiest (and might I add, poshest) in the country.
Behind Crag Path promenade is where you’ll find classic English bakeries, ice cream parlours, fish and chip shops, and pubs.
I popped into the White Hart, perched on the corner. It’s a small 18th century building filled with wooden furniture and nautical memorabilia – and serves up Adnams on draught – brewed up the road in Southwold.
Make sure to pop into Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop across the street too, it’s the oldest in the town and first opened in 1967.
Or opt for a stay at Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach, where you can book four nights in a chalet for 2 for £99. That’s £12.38pp per night.
Babbacome, Devon
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Beautiful Babbacombe Beach in Devon sits between Oddicombe and MaidencombeCredit: Getty
Nestled within the coastline between Dawlish and Torquay, you’ll find Babbacombe – an unspoilt town with heaps of history.
The town dates back to the 16th century when it was a fishing village and much of the original charm can still be seen today.
You can head to Babbacombe Beach, which is made up of shingle and sits below the towering red cliffs that form Babbacombe Downs.
Or you can visit Oddicombe Beach, by the historic funicular which has been operating for a century and travels the 200 metres down to the beach.
If you’re wanting somewhere special to eat, head to Babbacombe Bay Cafe, which serves freshly made toasties with salad.
About a three-minute walk away from the Downs, you’ll reach the high street where you can explore Bygones – a museum with a full-scale replica Victorian street (£13.95 per adult/£9.75 per child).
Another great attraction is Babbacombe Model Village, where you can feel like a giant as you explore hundreds of model scenes depicting British life (£21.95 per adult/£17.95 per child).
As for somewhere to stay, head to the Cary Arms Hotel and Spa where stays start from £195 per night.
Walk the 199 steps in Whitby that feature in Bram Stoker’s famous novel, DraculaCredit: Alamy
Whitby offers everything you’d want in a trip to the seaside: award-winning fish and chips, amusements, tasty ice creams at every corner – but it stands out thanks to its connection to some famous historical figures.
Famous explorer Captain Cook trained for his global voyages in Whitby. Here you can visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, known as the House on the Harbour.
Inside, have a nosy around the 17th-century rooms where a 17-year-old James Cook lived as an apprentice in 1746.
Outdoors, you can hop on a Captain Cook boat tour which dives right into the life of the famous voyager, packed with plenty of sea shanties to sing along to.
Horror and literature fans alike will love the town’s connection to Dracula. You can see the grand Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey from across the harbour, which keeps watch over the town from its creepy clifftop perch.
Author Bram Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was struck by the landmark looming over the pretty resort. After reading up on folklore in the local library, the writer penned his famous text.
This town takes its vampire fame seriously. To celebrate 125 years since the novel’s publication, English Heritage broke a Guinness World Record by hosting the world’s largest gathering of vampires, with 1,369 caped fans showing up.
To follow in the count’s footsteps, you can climb the famous 199 stone steps. In the book, a sinister black dog dashes up this staircase to announce Dracula’s arrival.
Luckily, daytime climbs offer gorgeous views of tiered red-roofed cottages rather than scares.
Or bag yourself a four night stay at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay in a Bronze Caravan, which sleeps eight, from £136 – which works out to £4.25pp per night in a full caravan.
Cockington, Torquay
Head of Travel, Lisa Minot
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot recommends a visit to Cockington, one mile from TorquayCredit: Lisa Minot
Tucked away in a hidden valley just a mile from the bustling seafront of Torquay, the quintessential Devon village of Cockington is unchanged.
While the English Riviera expanded over the centuries to accommodate the boom in tourism, Cockington has stood frozen in time.
The village is made up of striking 16th and 17th century cottages complete with whitewashed cob walls, timber beams and thick, thatched roofs.
And the reason the village has been unchanged for centuries is Cockington Court, A manor house dating back to the Domesday Book, the estate and country are protected against any development by a registered charity.
Legendary crime writer, Agatha Christie, was a frequent visitor to Cockington Court in her youth and even took part in amateur theatre on the manor house’s lawns.
The village’s narrow lanes wind past three tranquil mill ponds, ancient orchards and wooded walks and to this day, one of the most popular ways to arrive here to get around is via traditional horse drawn carriages.
Quench your thirst at the local pub, The Drum Inn, designed in 1936 by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to seamlessly blend in with the ancient surroundings or visit the original Forge, which has been operating on the same site since the 14th century.
Stay at the Hotel Indigo Torquay which sits on the seafront close to Cockington Country Park. Double rooms start at £61 per night in June. See ihg.com.
Book a four night stay at Park Holidays’ Dawlish Sands from £249 total, or £15.56pp per night.