UK Holiday Deals

Bargains at Butlins & free drinks on tap

CHEAP all inclusives aren’t just for Brits lucky enough to afford foreign holidays – there are some great value breaks with free food and drink in the UK too, if you delve deep enough.

Pay one price upfront and all your food, drinks, snacks and entertainment is provided on tap, meaning you can leave your wallet and your worries in your room – the issue is, most people have no idea they even exist.

The Z-hotel is just around the corner from London’s Regent’s Park, and has a superb deal if you upgrade your room Credit: Getty
Get away stress-free at Norton Grange Coastal Resort on the Isle of Wight, which now has all-inclusive packages Credit: TripAdvisor

All across the UK, secret staycation packages have started popping up with food and drink offers included in your booking.

The Sun’s Travel team have found some fab deals to book now, including autumn half term holidays and frugal festive breaks:

All prices are per person per night.

Butlin’s, Bognor Regis, £28pp a night

Famous for its family-friendly facilities, Redcoat entertainment and huge indoor waterpark, Butlin’s is now offering even more value for money with their new all-inclusive food and drinks bundles.

Available in Bognor Regis and Skegness, savvy guests can choose from a variety of packages starting with the budget-friendly Food Court deal, which includes both a buffet-style breakfast and dinner served in a sit-down restaurant.

Expect full English breakfast, an omelette bar, plus cereals and pastries and tea, coffee and juices.

Butlin’s in Bognor Regis is a Sun favourite thanks to its cheap deals and activities on offer for families Credit: Alamy

Dinner options include a nightly roast option and dishes like piri-piri chicken and lasagne, as well as a salad and dessert bars – and it’s eat-all-you-want.

These cost £25.95 per day for adults (age 15 up), £15.50 for 6-14 year olds and £7.50 for 2-5 year olds, under 2’s go free.

You can also upgrade to slightly fancier options like Off-Peak Premium Dining, a time-restricted package in The Deck, The Yacht Club and Coast restaurants.

These cost £33.95 per day for adults (age 15 up), £19.50 for 6-14 year olds and £9.50 for 2-5 year olds, under 2’s go free.

All offer buffet-style dining, but with additional grill, pasta and wok stations.

Or there’s the premium DineAround package that lets you pick whichever resort restaurant you’d like to dine in, instead of being given a designated place to eat.

This includes family favourite, The Firehouse Grill – which serves burgers, nachos and chicken platters.

The DineAround package costs £36.95 per day for adults (age 15 up), £22 for 6-14 year olds and £10.50 for 2-5 year olds, under 2’s go free.

As part of the Showtime Bundle, all-inclusive drinks can also be included on all-dining packages, with alcohol served from 11am (only sold on certain holiday dates). 

Enjoy Madri lager, Bacardi Rum and Gordon’s Gin at Bognor’s all-inclusive bars like the Beachcomber Inn and Hotshots, as well in restaurants and show venues like Centre Stage and Studio 36.

The food and drink bundles on Showtime Breaks start from £28 per person, per night for a family of four.

This includes mid-week festive breaks. Butlins.com

Parkdean Pendine Sands, Carmarthen, £26pp a night

One of the best things about an all-inclusive holiday is not having to cook, and Parkdean Resorts have just launched an add-on dining package in several of their parks.

At various locations, including Pendine Sands in South Wales, you can now go all-inclusive with your stay.

Packages start from from £80 per adult and £30 per child (under 12) per break (Monday to Friday only).

The deal includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the on-site restaurant, a dedicated kids’ menu, and unlimited hot and cold drinks all day (although, sorry folks, booze is extra).

Unlike Butlin’s, the all-inclusive deal at Parkdean includes three meals a day and is usually a sit-down meal rather than a buffet.

You can expect dishes like Churrasco steak and fries, katsu curry, pizzas, salad bowls, as well as milkshakes, soft drinks and Costa coffees.

The downside is it’s only available Monday to Friday and the very few dishes – chicken and rib combo, for example – that are priced over £19.99 will add a £5 surcharge.

While booze is extra, you can get a pint of Carling for £5.95 or Madri for £6.55, while a glass of Pinot Grigio is £4.30.

However, as all holiday-parkers know, you can still bring your own drinks or buy some in the resort supermarket to drink on the deck of your caravan once the kids go to bed.

Warner Hotels, Norton Grange Coastal Village, Isle of Wight, £114.50pp a night (adults only)

With hotels, holiday villages and resorts dotted across the UK, Warner Hotels specialises in adults-only holidays.

Several properties in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight now offer all-inclusive deals that include alcohol, which is brilliant for couples and friends wanting a stress-free stay.

With Christmas coming up, you can also get the deal on Warner Hotels’ themed breaks, such as the Turkey and Tinsel weekend.

Norton Grange hotel on the Isle of Wight is adults-only and the all-inclusive deal makes a stay even more relaxing Credit: Alamy

These can sometimes be cheaper than standard breaks like Weekend Live with Motown and Soul, where you pay more for specialist entertainment.

However, all breaks include some kind of evening entertainment, such as live tribute acts to Tina Turner, Celine Dion and George Michael.

All three-and-four night breaks include half-board accommodation, all entertainment, and a variety of alcoholic drinks from 6pm until midnight.

At Norton Grange, meals are served in the Market Kitchen restaurant, where you have buffet breakfasts with hot food bars and omelette stations.

For dinner, guests can enjoy three-courses with chef specials like rump steak and king prawns, as well as salad bars, carvery stations, wok show kitchens.

If you get peckish in the afternoon, you can also add a classic afternoon tea for £22.50 per person, served in the lounge.

Be aware that drinks are only included from 6pm to midnight, but include brands Carling lager, Doom Bar Cask Ale, Bell’s and Gordons.

But the rule is single measures only and only two drinks per guest, per round.

Get the deal: Warner Hotels, Lakeside Coastal Village, Hampshire, £259 per person for a two-night break. warnerhotels.co.uk

Potter’s Resorts, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk, £209pp

Often voted the best holiday park in the UK, Potter’s offers a slightly elevated experience, which is refelected in the price.

Family-run Potter’s was the first UK’s all-inclusive holiday and is hugely popular with Brits.

Potters Resorts have two locations – Five Lakes in Essex and Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk, famous as the home of World Indoor Bowls Championships.

Both resorts offer three or four night breaks, including four meals a day, all soft and alcoholic drinks and a daily activity programme.

Potters Resorts are known for their excellent entertainment and great food and drink, which is all included Credit: POTTERS

Five Lakes has a golf course – and both locations have a West End-style show each night.

While most breaks in both parks are adults only, there are some family-friendly dates offered at Hopton-on-Sea

With four meals on offer every day, there’s little chance of going hungry.

At Hopton-on-Sea, all meals are served in the elegant The Garden restaurant, with its domed ceiling, or the Gallery, which is a little more intimate.

In both resorts you can expect a full cooked breakfast buffet, a three-course lunch, with dishes like scampi and fries, chicken tikka masala, and salads and cold meats.

For dinner, you can order dishes such as deep fried filo prawns and steamed fillet of cod, as well as a nightly carvery.

Then, if you’re still hungry after all that, the chefs offer a late-night dish every night from sausage rolls to bowls of chilli.

All-inclusive drinks are available from 3pm on arrival day to 10.30am on departure day and you can expect brand-name spirits like Jameson’s whisky and Bacardi Rum, as well as draught and bottled beers, wines and plenty of no-alcohol options too.

Plus, when it’s too early for a tipple, try one of the barista-style coffees with your favourite syrup.

Get the deal: £629 per adult, £479 for 10-17 year olds, £379 for 3-9 year olds and £30 for under 3’s for a three-night break this October half term. pottersresorts.com

Z Hotel Gloucester Place, London, £55pp

Fancy an all-inclusive city break? Look no further.

Spread across a row of restored Georgian townhouses in the heart of Marylebone, Z Hotel Gloucester Place is within easy reach of Regent’s Park, Madame Tussauds and the Wallace Collection, while Oxford Street is a short bus ride away.

Standard rooms are smart and comfortable, however, it’s well worth upgrading your stay to the Z Club experience.

Few people know this, but if you book a Z Club Junior Suite, you’ll get complimentary breakfast, an all-day snack menu, afternoon cakes, a cheese buffet each evening, plus unlimited wine, fizz, cold beers and soft drinks.

Snacks like ham and cheese toasties, chicken and avocado sandwiches, a cheese board are available from the moment you check in at 3pm until late into the night.

Packets of crisps and nuts are also complimentary. There’s also a nice terrace garden to enjoy a sundowner or two, including a good selection of wines like Malbec, a pale pink rosé and two different white wines.

Cans of pop and cold bottled beers and ciders, including Punk IPA and Peroni are also on offer.

Get the deal: Rooms are priced from £110 per room, per night thezhotels.com

An upgrade at Z Gloucester Place gets you more than just a better room Credit: Z Gloucester Place

Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Cleator, £79pp a night (adults only)

After a hike around the hills and fells of the Lake District, this classic country house hotel near Ennerdale Water is a real treat.

Great Little Breaks offer two-night stays throughout the year at Ennerdale Country House Hotel, a Grade II listed house with five acres of landscaped gardens and Italian fountains.

It includes bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days, unlimited tea and coffee, plus free-flowing house wine, draught beer and soft drinks between 6pm and 10pm each night.

Meals are served in the Fountain Room restaurant, which overlooks the hotel’s beautiful gardens.

You can even go all-inclusive in the Lake District at Ennerdale County House in Cumbria Credit: Alamy

Breakfast includes a full English and a simple buffet with pastries and cereals, lunch is soup and a sandwich, while a two-course dinner from the ever-changing table d’hote menu often includes dishes like fish and chips, and herb chicken.

However, if you fancy something like steak off the a la carte menu, you’ll be charged a supplement.

Get the deal: From £159 per person for a two-night stay based on two adults sharing. (Over 25s-only). greatlittlebreaks.com

Lavender Hotels Collection, £32.25pp

The Lavender Hotels Collection is a trio of properties across Lancashire, each offering value all-inclusive packages.

Higher Trapp is a country house with panoramic views across the Pendle Valley, the Old Mill has a similar vibe but with a leisure club and a pool, while Everglades in Widnes is a little more contemporary.

An overnight stay includes a £25pp dinner allowance, drinks including unlimited house wine, draught beers and branded spirits from 6pm until 11pm, plus a full English breakfast in the morning.

If you are visiting with kids, the £25 dinner voucher isn’t extended to them, but kids meals start from £8.

All inclusive drinks include SRS lager, Magner’s cider, house red and white wines, and some branded spirits like Gordon’s Gin and Bells whiskey.

Drinks are only served in the Resident’s Bar between 6pm and 11pm –one glass per person, single measures only.

Guests can book the AI Ultra package for another £12.50 and get upgraded draught beers like Stella Artois and Guinness, flavoured Whitley Neill gins and Fever Tree mixers, as well as more premium wines like Baco de Seta Prosecco and Berri Estates Merlot.

At Higher Trapp, dinner is served in Fitzy’s Restaurant, a cosy space with beautiful views over the Ribble Valley. The £25 meal allowance will get you a 8oz steak and chips, but note that sauces like béarnaise, or brandy and pepper will cost you an extra £4.

Other meals come in around £16 to £19 mark, which allows a little wiggle room for extras. At the Old Mill, you’ll dine in the Sir Robert Peel restaurant on the first floor, which has lovely high-beamed ceilings.

The meal voucher here includes a starter and a main, but some dishes like curried mussels and lamb shank do attract an additional charge.

Get the deal: From £129 per room, per night (currently offering 25% off all autumn breaks) lavenderhotels.co.uk

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Major airline launches ‘kids fly free’ package holidays with deals from £249pp

FAMILIES can save even more on holidays this month with a new deal that lets kids fly for FREE.

Turkish Airlines Holidays, the holiday brand of Turkish Airlines, has launched an offer that allows children under 11-years-old to fly for free.

Turkish Airlines planes at Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey.
Turkish Airlines Holidays has launched new holiday packages where kids go free Credit: Alamy

The offer is available on specific holiday packages booked up to September 29.

And it includes some exciting holiday destinations such as Turkey, Mauritius, the Maldives and Dubai.

The offer is for any holiday departing between now and March 30, 2027.

Other offers include 15 per cent off Economy Class basic fares or 20 per cent off Business Class fares.

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You’ll also get complimentary seat selection as well on eligible flights.

For example, you could head to Istanbul in Turkey from £249 per person for two nights.

You’d stay at the four-star Darkhill Hotel, close to all the city’s main attractions.

The hotel also has its own rooftop bar with views across the city.

Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.
Aerial view of the Blue Mosque and Istanbul cityscape at dawn.
Destinations include Mauritius, Turkey and Dubai Credit: Getty

Alternatively, you could head to Dubai for three nights, costing from £769 per person.

You’d stay at the five-star Paramount Hotel Midtown, with breakfast included.

In the hotel there are a number of restaurants and bars including a rooftop terrace with a huge screen and views across the city skyline.

Want to splash out? Well, you could travel to Mauritius and stay at the five-star Maritim Resort & Spa for five nights, from £1,369 per person.

The new offer brings Turkish Airlines Holidays in line with other tour operator such as TUI and easyJet holidays.



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The holiday destinations where all-inclusive is CHEAPER than B&B

A playful couple smiling in a pool.

GOING all-inclusive is CHEAPER than bed and breakfast in three popular holiday destinations, according to a new study.

Analysis of the average cost of 3H holiday prices from the beginning of June this year to the end of August found bottomless food and drink deals were actually cheaper in Malta, Egypt and Marrakech in Morocco.

Going all-inclusive is cheaper than bed and breakfast in three popular holiday destinations Credit: Getty
An all-inclusive holiday in Marrakech is the best value compared to staying in a B&B

The new data-crunching from holiday comparison site Travel- Supermarket found the average seven-night all-inclusive holiday in Marrakech works out at £348pp — a saving of 26 per cent compared to the £479pp for B&B.

That means holidaymakers opting for the convenience of buffet dining end up paying £131 less overall while getting their meals and drinks thrown in for free.

Malta served up the next best savings, with a week eating and drinking all you want averaging £518pp compared with £565 for just your breakfast.

Egypt came in third, with non-stop catering coming in at £605pp, £9 cheaper than B&B.

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The research also revealed that even if unlimited food and drink is more expensive than B&B, when you look at how much the upgrade costs, it’s little more than a couple of rounds of drinks.

The report found a week on the Thai island of Phuket costs just £15pp extra to unlock unlimited food and drink.

In Bodrum, Turkey, all-inclusive breaks were just £7 more for the week, Sri Lanka only £51, and Turkey’s Antalya area just £20 extra. Each adds about three per cent to the cost of the holiday.

But there are some destinations where it will still cost you a lot more for the convenience of non-stop food and drink.

In other locations, all- inclusive holiday would set you back more than the average B&B price Credit: Getty
Non-stop food and drinks on all-inclusive vacations is a huge perk for holidaymakers Credit: Getty

Sardinia tops the list of those where it will cost you the most, averaging £1,873pp compared to £818 for a week on B&B.

Florida also fared worse for all-inclusive, adding £1,300 to the average £1,104 B&B cost.

Cities are also not the best places for all-inclusive bargains. Athens breaks were, on average, £610 for B&B compared to £1,079 for all your food and drink, a 77 per cent increase.

While in Abu Dhabi, an all- inclusive holiday would set you back £818 more than the average B&B price of £1,148.

TravelSupermarket’s Chris Webber said: “Most people assume all-inclusive is always the pricier option, but in a handful of destinations it simply isn’t.

“At 3H level, where hotels are competing hard to fill rooms, all-inclusive is often the package they push hardest and the price reflects that.

“In Marrakech you’re paying less for a week of everything included than you would for a week of breakfast alone.

“The lesson for holidaymakers is to run both searches before booking rather than ruling all- inclusive out on price.”

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Save HUNDREDS on UK holidays with this £1 travel hack

THERE’S a travel club you can join today for £1 that will unlock a whole load of secret UK holidays for cheap.

Once you’re a member, you can bag exclusive deals for trips all across the UK, starting from as little as £89 for a two-night break for two people!

If you join Travelzoo with a £1 30-day trial you can unlock British breaks from £89 Credit: Travelzoo

There’s some seriously massive savings to be had here – we’ve even found a stunning rural retreat in Wales where you can save £217 off full-price.

To unlock the deals, simply sign up to become a Travelzoo member.

Usually, membership costs £30 for one year (which is already a bargain).

But Sun readers can bag a 30 day trial for just £1 by clicking here – giving you instant access to book in a bargain break.

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Not only will you unlock amazing holiday deals in the UK, Europe and beyond, but there’s plenty more benefits such as free airport lounge access whenever your flights get delayed if you’re travelling abroad.

Here’s our pick of the best UK deals we found on Travelzoo, where you can save up to hundreds of pounds on an incredible countryside staycay.

Mount Snowdon two-night adventure – £110 (£217 off)

Stay at the gorgeous Royal Victoria Hotel in Snowdonia for £55 per night with Travelzoo Credit: Travelzoo
Take in the views of the Snowdon mountain railway on your Welsh staycation Credit: Travelzoo

Sitting between two lakes at the base of Mount Snowdon, the grand Royal Victoria Hotel in Eryri is a sight to behold.

The location “cannot be beaten” according to one Travelzoo member.

You can enjoy with lake views from the hotel restaurant and 13th century castle ruins within the hotel grounds themselves.

Whether you’re tackling the mountain on a hiking holiday or simply want to soak up the views of Snowdonia from the hotel with a warm drink in hand, this £55 per night deal is a bargain way to do so.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book a two-night stay with daily buffet breakfast included from £110

London superyacht stay – £200 (save £141)

Save up to £141 with a stay onboard the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel with Travelzoo Credit: Travelzoo

The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is a one-of-a-kind stay.

Sitting on London‘s Royal Victoria Dock, the 420-foot superyacht hotel offers prime views of the Thames, plus easy access via cable car to Greenwich or the Elizabeth Line into Central London.

Included in this deal you get an overnight stay in a riverview room for two, buffet breakfast, an Afternoon Tea experience (with a cocktail!) and bottomless hot drinks.

Not only that, but you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Prosecco on arrival and some delicious chocolates in your room.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book an overnight superyacht stay for two with Afternoon Tea, breakfast and bottomless hot drinks for £200

Northumberland National Park two-night break – £89

Visit the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for only £89 for two nights Credit: Getty

You can bag a two-night stay at the Riverdale Hall Hotel in Northumberland for an insanely cheap £89, which works out to £22.25pp per night.

The hotel sits at the edge of the Northumberland National Park in Bellingham, a pretty market town perched along the Pennine Way.

Nearby you can look out over Hadrian’s Wall at the National Landscape Discovery Centre.

Or even visit the forest where the movie 28 Years Later was filmed.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book a two-night Northumberland stay from £89

Woodland lodge three-night retreat – £299 (£109 off)

Stay in a former royal hunting lodge built for King Charles II with Travelzoo Credit: Travelzoo
Explore the Wye Valley National Landscape on your countryside retreat Credit: Travelzoo

Fancy staying in a former royal hunting lodge once used by King Charles II?

The Speech House is a former royal lodge turned countryside hotel.

Built in 1669, the lodge still has many of its original features, including decor in the hotel restaurant that was originally a small courtroom.

The hotel is based beside the Wye Valley National Landscape. You can catch some spectacular views from Symonds Yat Rock, which is only 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book a three-night stay with breakfast included from £299

Pembroke Castle two-night break – £159 (save £77)

Visit Pembroke Castle during your stay at the Coach House Hotel Credit: Alamy

Stay in the medieval walled town of Pembroke with this affordable two-night break at the friendly Coach House Hotel.

It even includes a bottle of Prosecco on arrival.

The town is home to the incredible Pembroke Castle, where King Henry VIII was born.

After enjoying a full Welsh breakfast each morning, you can set off to explore more local attractions like the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the seaside town of Tenby.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book a two-night Pembroke stay from £159

Lake District escape with dinner & Prosecco – £129

Book a cosy Lake District stay with dinner and Prosecco included for £129 Credit: Travelzoo

Book a staycation in the stunning Lakes with a cosy stay at the four-star Damson Dene Hotel with this deal.

The hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, where you’ll also find The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

Your stay includes an overnight stay plus dinner for two, Prosecco on arrival, and even a pair of free tickets to the enchanting Lakeland Model Village.

Claim your £1 Travelzoo trial & book an overnight stay with dinner & Prosecco in the Lake District from £129

Prices correct at the time of publication.

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10 Travelodge hotels in Britain’s most BEAUTIFUL spots including royal castles and national parks

THINK Travelodge stays are just for a quick pitstop? Think again.

Britain’s popular budget hotel chain actually has many hotels in some of the most spectacular corners of the UK, putting amazing adventures right at your doorstep.

We’ve rounded up affordable Travelodge stays in some of the UK’s most stunning spots Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Stay in the Outdoors Capital of the UK which is home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct from £27 a night Credit: Getty

From waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis to sleeping a stone’s throw from the oldest occupied castle in the world, we’ve hunted down 10 of the most breathtaking Travelodge stays across the country.

With rooms starting from just £25 a night, here are the epic mountain, island, and seaside getaways that prove you don’t need to fork out for a fantastic UK getaway.

Travelodge Fort William

Imagine waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, without paying a penny of premium for the privilege.

This Travelodge is in the proper Highlands, with Glen Nevis on your doorstep and Loch Linnhe glimmering nearby.

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Plus the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one that the Hogwarts Express chugs over) is just up the road.

Did you know that Fort William is the Outdoor Capital of the UK?

This means you’re steps from world-class walking, climbing and mountain biking with a stay at this budget base.

Most hotels wouldn’t dream of charging this little for views like this, but that’s where the reliable Travelodge steps in.

Book a room at Travelodge Fort William from £27 per night.

Travelodge Burford Cotswolds

Explore beautiful Burford in the Cotswolds with a stay in an affordable Travelodge Credit: Alamy

Burford is one of the UK’s most idyllic villages, with its honey-coloured stone cottages and pretty high street that tumbles down to the River Windrush.

You’d expect to pay boutique B&B prices for a base this pretty, but here you’re staying in the heart of the Cotswolds for less than a train ticket.

With rolling countryside, beautiful churches and chocolate box charm surrounding you on every side, it’s the kind of setting people would pay a fortune to photograph.

With a stay at this Travelodge, you simply walk out the front door straight into it.

Book a room at Travelodge Burford Cotswolds from £39 per night.

Travelodge Windsor Central

Your Travelodge hotel for the night will cost less than your entry into Windsor castle Credit: Getty

Staying here puts you three minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. You can even see it from some of the rooms.

Here you’re a genuine stone’s throw from royal history, plus Windsor & Eton Central station is right next door for an easy hop into London.

Staying this close to a royal residence for under £30 a night is most certainly a bargain.

In fact, even the ticket to the castle costs more than your hotel (£32 for adults when booked online). But if you want to keep it free, the town’s cobbled streets and riverside walks are all on your doorstep.

Book a room at Travelodge Windsor Central from £26.99 per night.

Travelodge Kendal

Stay at Travelodge Kendal for access into the sprawling landscapes of the Lake District Credit: Getty

Kendal is your gateway into the Lake District, England‘s largest national park packed with dramatic landscapes. Here, fells, lakes and stone walls can be seen within minutes of checking in.

History lovers can wander over to Sizergh Castle or Kendal Castle, both a short walk away.

This is a national park that pulls in visitors from across the globe, yet you can base yourself here for less than the cost of a meal out.

It’s an unbeatable base for anyone wanting a slice of that classic Lakes scenery.

Book a room at Travelodge Kendal from £37 per night

Travelodge Porthmadog

Stay in the beautiful Welsh village of Porthmadog with Snowdonia on your doorstep Credit: Getty

This stay drops you right at the edge of Snowdonia National Park, with Mount Snowdon itself and the pretty village of Portmeirion both within easy reach.

Porthmadog is also home to a historic narrow-gauge steam railway, a proper slice of Welsh heritage.

Castles, coastline and mountains all sit within a short drive, making it one of the most scenically-stacked locations on this list.

Few budget stays put you this deep inside a national park. At £25 a night, it’s one of the best-value bases in Wales.

Book a room at Travelodge Porthmadog from £25 per night

Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon

Stays at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon start from £29 per night Credit: Getty
Come back from a day’s exploring Stratford-Upon-Avon to a swanky Travelodge bar and lounge Credit: Travelodge

Sleeping in Shakespeare’s hometown is an amazing experience, whether you’re in a fancy hotel or budget – so you might as well save the money and go for the affordable option.

Stratford-upon-Avon’s thatched cottages, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the famous playwright’s birthplace are all within walking distance of this hotel.

Warwick Castle, one of England’s most spectacular medieval fortresses, is only a short drive away too.

And with stays from £29 a night, history buffs and theatre fans are getting some serious bang for their buck here.

Book a room at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon from £29 per night

Travelodge Blackpool South Shore

You can see the striking Blackpool skyline from the windows of Travelodge Blackpool South Shore Credit: Alamy
Stay in a clean and comfortable room in Travelodge Blackpool South Shore Credit: Travelodge

This hotel looks straight out over Blackpool’s famous seafront, with views of the Tower and all three piers from the promenade.

Soak up the British seaside holiday nostalgia with visits to the beach, arcades, fairground, and by tucking into a chippy tea for dinner.

From the action-packed tower to the rides at Pleasure Beach, you’ve got a ton of entertainment within walking distance.

Plus you get jaw-dropping views of Blackpool‘s famous skyline, which has been newly-transformed by Aviktas, the theme park’s massive new gyro swing ride.

Book a room at Travelodge Blackpool South Shore from £40.99 per night

Travelodge Ryde, Isle of Wight

Bag an island staycation with this affordable stay in Ryde on the Isle of Wight Credit: Alamy

With a stay at this seaside Travelodge, you’ve got a long sandy beach, Victorian pier and scenic seafront all within easy reach.

There’s even hovercraft and ferry terminals in Ryde to make it super easy to get there from Portsmouth or Southsea.

The Isle of Wight has a totally different pace to the mainland, with secret sandy coves and sleepy, postcard-perfect villages. And Ryde makes for the ideal budget-friendly base.

For £25 a night, an island staycation suddenly feels a lot more accessible.

Book a room at Travelodge Ryde from £25 per night

Travelodge Hayle, Cornwall

Stay in Hayle on the North Coast of Cornwall in an affordable Travelodge Credit: Getty

Hayle sits right on Cornwall’s dramatic north coast, with the golden sands of Hayle Towans and the wider St Ives Bay just minutes away.

This stretch of coastline looks less like your typical British beach and more like somewhere abroad, with its turquoise water and wild dunes.

St Ives itself, with its museums and galleries, pretty harbour and historic lighthouse, is only a short hop down the road.

Cornish staycations usually come with a hefty price tag, but this is a rare budget way in.

Book a room at Travelodge Hayle from £40 per night

Travelodge Llandudno

Take a cable car up to Great Orme Head in Llandudno Credit: Getty
Travelodge Llandudno has a prettt white exterior and is just 200m from Llandudno Pier Credit: Trip Advisor/Travelodge IIandudno Management

Llandudno combines Victorian seaside charm with a breathtaking mountain backdrop – and there’s an impressive historical site on your doorstep here, too.

Days here are best spent strolling the elegant pier, or riding the cable car up the Great Orme headland for spectacular views over Snowdonia’s peaks.

This hotel is only 13 minutes’ drive from Conwy Castle, one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval castles built in the 13th century.

It’s rare to stay somewhere with such impressive landscapes and historical sites sandwiched together, but its even more rare when you can stay there for as little as £35 a night!

Book a room at Travelodge Llandudno from £35 per night

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Mega UK holiday parks where you can go ALL INCLUSIVE from just £25pp a day

YOU don’t need to go abroad to lock in a hassle-free, all-inclusive holiday.

A growing number of UK holiday parks and seaside resorts are introducing all inclusive options, packaging a place to stay, meals, drinks, and entertainment into one price.

And let’s be honest, holidays are a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to ask, “Whose round is this?” or scan the menu for the cheapest option at dinner.

From five-star adults-only retreats with four meals a day, to action-packed family parks with unlimited Costa Coffee and amazing activities, here’s our pick of the top UK resorts where you can go all inclusive – from only £25pp a day.

Butlin’s

Butlin’s have locations in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness Credit: Butlin’s

Family breaks to Butlin’s really do pack a lot in – West End-style entertainment, loads of activities, plus a free fairground and waterpark on-site to make use of.

In the last year, Butlin’s has added the option to go all inclusive to their stays too.

Butlin’s all inclusive bundles include accommodation, breakfast, dinner, drinks, as well as the usual access to the fairground, activities and shows.

It’s worth it for the drinks package alone, which includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and unlimited Costa Coffee.

The all inclusive offer is only available during Showtime Term-Time Midweek breaks, so they are ideal for families with little ones or older kids who are outside of school age.

Butlin’s offer all-inclusive breaks for £28pp per night, based on two adults and two children on a Showtime Term-time four night break.

However, you can also bolt on the all-inclusive drinks package and the all-inclusive food package to regular family breaks across school holidays.

Potters Resort

Book a five star, all-inclusive break at Potters Resort in Essex or Norfolk Credit: Potters Holidays

Fancy a truly all-inclusive holiday without having to leave the country?

Potters have five-star resorts in both the Norfolk and Essex countryside, directly on the east coast.

Accommodation at these resorts ranges from spacious bungalows to swanky hotel suites, all of which come with complimentary toiletries and towels.

Spend your days getting stuck into activities like archery, air rifles, pickleball and bingo and your evenings watching all-singing, all-dancing shows with talent who have appeared on the West End.

You can tuck into four meals a day here, as late night dishes are included, where you can help yourself to snacks like bacon rolls or a hot cooked dinner late into the evening.

As for drinks, you can enjoy all the branded spirits like Bacardi, Malibu and Jameson’s, plus fun cocktails, smoothies and milkshakes.

The resorts remain adults-only for most of the year, perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet away on a couples’ retreat.

However the Norfolk resort opens up to families during selected school holiday periods.

The five-star, all inclusive breaks start from £175pp per night for a four night break. Make sure to check your specific dates on their website.

Parkdean Cherry Tree

Parkdean Cherry Tree is a quieter Norfolk park close to the Broads and Gorleston Beach Credit: Park Dean Resorts

Tucked between the Norfolk Broads and the sandy shores of Gorleston Beach, Parkdean Resorts Cherry Tree is a pretty and quiet coastal park.

Go swimming whatever the weather thanks to both indoor and outdoor heated pools, and if you bring little ones with you, there’s a toddler splash zone, too.

As for activities, there’s pirate-themed crazy golf, an adventure playground, a multi-sports court, and a buzzing amusement arcade.

You can go all inclusive here from £25 per day, which includes three meals a day served in the park’s main restaurant, plus unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee.

You can go all inclusive at Parkdean resorts for four-night breaks with Monday arrivals during school term time – so if you’re visiting as a couple or a group of friends, it can be the ideal time to visit. Check the park’s website for specific dates.

Lower Hyde

Upgrade your all inclusive break at Lower Hyde and stay in a safari tent to feel like you’re abroad Credit: TripAdvisor

You really get your money’s worth with a stay at Lower Hyde holiday park.

Just minutes from the pretty seaside town of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, this holiday park has plenty of free attractions nearby like Shanklin Beach and the beautiful Quarr Abbey.

And if you book your stay in a luxurious glamping safari tent, you’ll wake up to a view that feels more like being abroad than in the UK.

On-site you can battle it out on the sports courts, go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, and settle down to Parkdean‘s signature entertainment.

But the best part is that a stay here essentially gives you access to two holiday parks for the price of one, as you also get free access to all the facilities at the neighbouring Landguard holiday park.

Nearby Landguard has a stunning woodland setting that is ideal for outdoors-y types, with plenty of walking trails plus an outdoor adventure playground for any little ones.

Going all inclusive here starts from £25 per day – check their website for a range of dates.

Carmarthen Bay

Colourful houses above the harbour and North Beach in Tenby, a walled seaside town on the western side of Carmarthen Bay Credit: Alamy

Overlooking the Gwendraeth Estuary in South Wales, Carmarthen Bay is a very picturesque holiday park.

Nearby you can explore the huge, 520-acre Pembrey Country Park, or head out on a wildlife safari at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre.

Plus Carmarthenshire is home to one of the best-preserved Normal fortresses in Wales, Kidwelly Castle, which is just five minutes away. You might even recognise it from Monty Python.

The park itself has plenty to do, too. Here you can challenge the crew to crazy golf, plus toddlers can burn off energy in the soft-play arena.

End your evenings with a meal at The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant before catching live stage shows late into the night.

You can go all inclusive at Carmarthen Bay from £25 per day.

Whitley Bay

A stay at Whitley Bay comes with fantastic coastal views Credit: Alamy

Perched on the cliffs with views of St Mary’s Lighthouse, Parkdean Whitley Bay trades chaotic holiday park energy for crisp coastal air and rugged North East landscapes.

Days here revolve around morning swims in the heated indoor pool, nature trail walks, and letting the kids loose on the outdoor play areas and sports court.

The beach and famous white dome of Spanish City sit just down the road, making it easy to enjoy an evening of coastal cocktails or fish and chips with sea views.

Make sure to be back in time for bingo at the Showbar, where there’s big cash prizes to be won.

Book an all inclusive break at Whitley Bay from £25 per day.

Newquay Holiday Park

Bag an all inclusive stay at the action-packed, modern Parkdean Newquay from £25pppn Credit: Parkdean Newquay

Gone are the days of sitting around a packed swimming pool on holiday – Parkdean Newquay has three to pick from, plus a 200ft waterslide for good measure.

Set in Britain’s surf capital, this park provides perfect beach holiday energy.

You’ve got seven famous beaches on your doorstep, including Fistral Beach, as well as cool Cornish towns like Padstow and Rock nearby, too.

If you like an active holiday, you’ve got high-ropes courses, a climbing wall and kayaking available here.

There’s an entire Tots program if you’re bringing any along, which includes messy play and miniature bike sessions.

Equally, the park offers ‘Grown up getaways’ with 60’s tribute acts, adult-only swim sessions, karaoke parties and events like Country night and the chilled out Brunch Club.

Go all-inclusive at Parkdean Newquay from £25 per day.

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Our favourite childhood holiday spots that have stayed ridiculously cheap

RECREATING your favourite childhood holiday doesn’t mean you have to pay modern, inflated prices.

From £9.50 stays in Great Yarmouth to £15 per night Cotswolds holidays, the Sun Travel team’s favourite childhood escapes remain remarkably cheap today. Bargains span across Europe too, with £16 flight deals and £18 per night South of France stays.

A trip to the Lake District remains an affordable option for a UK holiday Credit: Getty
Alcudia in Majorca remains an affordable family holiday destination, with holiday packages under £500pp Credit: Getty

Even famously-pricey trips like Disneyland Paris can be had for a fraction of the cost by opting for off-site hotels instead of forking out thousands on on-site stays.

Here are Sun Travel’s favourite childhood holidays where the prices have barely budged and exactly how to book them right now.

Disneyland Paris

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill has been visiting Disneyland Paris since she was a child, and knows how to do it cheaply Credit: Alice Penwill

The first time I ventured into magical Disneyland Paris, I was four years old and it was in the depths of winter, so covered in snow.

But it goes down as one of my favourite holidays, getting to go on the rides and meet my favourite characters (according to my parents anyway as I can’t remember most of it).

But let’s face it, Disneyland Paris isn’t the cheapest spot to go on holiday. However there are ways to keep the cost down.

The first is choosing accommodation wisely. Rather than staying at one of the hotels on the park which are incredible, but also quite pricey, stay outside and take the train in.

Marne-la-Vallée train station is right outside the gates to the park and just a few minutes on foot to the Disney Village, and off-site accommodation often operates shuttle buses to the theme park too.

When planning accommodation, keep in mind that a room with a kitchenette will seriously cut costs too – as you won’t have to fork out for pricey park food.

For instance, StayCity aparthotels have family studios for up to four people from €299 (£259) for two nights – the rooms come with their own kitchen and the hotel has an outdoor pool, plus it’s just a free 8-minute shuttle ride to Disneyland Paris.

This means you can stock up food for breakfast, packed lunch and dinner at the local supermarket.

Or if you want to stick around at the park in the evening, check out some of the lower cost options like Hakuna Matata where you can get an adult meal for €16 (£13.67) and a kids’ plate from €10 (£8.54).

When it comes to booking travel, Eurostar offers children between 4-11 30 per cent off the price of peak travel and a discount of up to 50 per cent on off-peak travel tickets when booking with an adult.

We found a two-night stay at the Grand Magic Hotel Marne La Vallée in a family room for £410 – from there it’s a six-minute drive to Disneyland (there are regular shuttle buses). Click here to book.

Over the same two-night period, a stay at the Disney Hotel New York The Art of Marvel works out to £2,287 or £285.88pppn.

Camping in the Ardeche

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot recalls her time camping in the Ardeche – and says prices have stayed low Credit: Lisa Minot

As childhood games go, it wasn’t the most exciting. Flip Flop Harbour – as we sisters named it – consisted of attaching string to our flip flops then creating a very impressive stone harbour to sail our ‘boats’ in and out of.

Our ‘harbour’ was actually on the banks of the Ardeche River in the South of France and as children, this was our little piece of paradise.

The river itself sits at the heart of an astonishing landscape of dramatic limestone gorges, dense oak forests and ancient stone villages.

The river winds through the Ardeche Gorges – an 18 mile canyon of pale grey cliffs that lead to its most stunning point, the Pont d’Arc, a 54-metre-high natural stone arch that spans the turquoise river.

We stayed at Camping des Cigales at St Martin D’Ardeche. Facilities weren’t the priority, as long as we had a shower block to wash off the day’s adventures and a small shop to spend our pocket money on ice creams, we were happy.

Walking across the vast suspension bridge from the campsite into St Martin D’Ardeche, you could get right down to the water’s edge at the Grain de Sel beach.

It was the hours spent swimming in the clear, sparkling waters, white river rafting through the rushing waters and simply sunbathing at the water’s edge.

Things haven’t changed much to this day.

You can still enjoy camping at the same site, with just 26 pitches now for tents or campervans with the addition of modern glamping huts and lodges to enjoy as well.

And it doesn’t come at a huge cost. In peak season, a pitch for two adults for the night is just £18. Click here to book.

Great Yarmouth

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recommends a trip to Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth Credit: Sophie

If I concentrate hard enough, I can still hear the screams from the rickety rollercoaster and smell the toasted sugar wafting from the candy floss machine on Great Yarmouth’s pier.

My brother, step sister and I would tease ourselves by strolling past the sweet stalls daily, just to get a whiff, despite knowing full well that this was reserved as a last-day-of-holiday treat.

We’d try to savour it, but candy floss is hardly a snack that can be relished – a fizzle on the tongue and then it’s gone.

The memories of Yarmouth’s fun in the late 90s and early 2000s very much remain, though.

We’d have spent that morning on the seafront, putting all our might into building the biggest sand castle on the beach, plunging into the sea every thirty minutes or so with whatever float Mum had bought us from the promenade.

Back then, there were no pink flamingo inflatables, it was rubber rings only for us – although we did (successfully) campaign for the smiley-faced orca one year.

Another year, I saved up all my pocket money to splurge on a personalised hairbrush I’d seen at the market. The wooden frame had been embellished with sequins and a large glitter-shaped ‘S’ – it became the envy of my classmates on my return to school.

Rainy days were no bother. These were spent at the penny slot machines in the arcade, followed by vinegar-doused chips and a show at the pier – special mention to the 2003 Chuckle Brothers performance.

We would stay in a caravan each year, but I couldn’t tell you where. Back then I didn’t care, I was too focused on whether I’d win at the claw machine (I never did).

But if you want to book an affordable getaway to Yarmouth, you can stay at Parkdean Resorts’ Vauxhall Holiday Park with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50.

The holiday park recently received a multi-million pound makeover with a new sports bar, fairground golf, Bear Grylls-themed escape rooms, upgraded soft play and more. Click here to book.

Alcudia, Majorca

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recommends the affordable resort of Alcudia in Majorca Credit: Jenna Stevens

You know that annual family holiday abroad – the spot you return to year after year – to that very same hotel that you love?

For me and my family, that was a trip to TUI’S Hotel BQ Delfin Azul in Alcudia.

I loved holidaying there as a kid. Getting up on stage and making friends at the kids mini disco, playing mermaids in the pool, singing ‘Choco Choco Chocolate’ to my heart’s content.

My sisters and I would get our hair braided, and I’d soon be begging my parents for a souvenir to remember our holiday. My eyes lit up for spotty flamenco dresses and castanets, or anything with ‘I love Majorca‘ or a dolphin plastered over it.

My granddad, on the other hand, loved loading up on desserts at the all-inclusive buffet, and relaxing on a lounger with a newspaper in peace and quiet until we came back. He still visits year after year, and very much looks forward to that buffet spread!

When it comes to Spanish resorts, Alcudia is a near-perfect pick for families of all ages.

Exploring the Old Town and Roman Ruins of Pollentia keeps parents and history buffs happy, whilst Hidropark Alcudia has waterslides and trampolines adored by kids. This hotel is only a 12-minute walk from the waterpark.

It’s also remained a super affordable part of Majorca to visit, with a meal from the menu del dia at restaurants along the Bellevue Strip costing only around €10 (£8.70).

In fact, you can stay seven nights at this exact hotel with TUI from £457pp, which includes your return flights. For a week away under £500pp, that’s an absolute bargain. Click here to book.

Cotswolds Caravan Holiday

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Head of Travel Lisa Minot recommends a caravan stay at Friars Court Island, which you can book from £15 per night Credit: Lisa Minot

It was the summer of 1976 – the last great heatwave. The unique, baking hot conditions saw an invasion of ladybirds.

And in an idyllic little bit of the Cotswolds I can vividly remember clutching an old Quality Street sweet tin, filled to the brim with the bright red bugs we’d collected on our adventures.

As a family, we’d spend many weekends in our caravan at a working farm at Grafton, a tiny historic hamlet between Clanfield and Bampton in Oxfordshire.

The farmers, Mr and Mrs Wooliams, ran a Classified Location (CL) for caravans called Grafton Hive – essentially a field that would host no more than five caravans.

The facilities were minimal – somewhere to fill up our water carrier and empty our waste. But for us as youngsters from London’s suburbia, this was pure heaven.

We had the freedom to explore the farm, riding our bikes across fields and exploring tiny streams and ancient woodland.

Mum would rustle up eggs and bacon in the caravan in the morning. Lunch or dinner was chicken in a basket at the local pub.

While Grafton Hive no longer runs as a CL there is still an alternative very close at Friars Court Island.

Part of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s CL offering, this unique little site sits on a three-acre island with the river Thames to the south and a backwater to the north.

Sitting right on the river front, the field allows up to five caravans and you can even launch dinghies and paddle boards from the riverbank as well as fish.

Prices start from just £15 per night for a caravan and all occupants. Click here to book.

Lake District – Lake Windermere

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommends a stay at Lake Windermere Credit: Alice Penwill

Staycations might be on the rise again, but when I was a kid it made up the majority of my summer holidays.

Trips to the often wet and wild Lake District in the summer holidays are ones I’ll always remember.

From feeding the birds at Lake Windemere to sitting at the bottom of a hill eating sandwiches in the car because it was too rainy to outside or on the other extreme, hiking up hills in the scorching sun.

If we were feeling flush, there was also a chance to get out onto the water at Lake Windermere on one of its boat cruises or water sports activities.

Or for those who are fans of Peter Rabbit, it’s close to the World of Beatrix Potter too.

One of the best ways to keep things cheap is a long walk to see the views from Orrest Head – make sure to take a picnic to keep everyone happy.

In my opinion, no trip to the Lake District is complete without a cosy cabin because let’s face it, the weather can be very up and down.

The Rowan Lodge in Cumbria is perfect for a family of four, it’s a great place to be amongst nature and it’s near both Ambleside and Windermere.

A four-night break in October starts from £383, working out to £24 per person per night. Click here to book.

Carcasonne

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recommends a trip to Carcassone Credit: Kara

Like many families growing up in the 90s, my rare holiday abroad was only ever to France every few years.

One that we still talk about to this day was our trip to Carcassonne, complete with all the troubles you’d expect of a multi-generational trip.

There was the car sickness from me and my sister (that my dad always forgot about before piling us into a 13-hour car journey), there was the lack of electrics in our villa after we arrived, and of course all of us being bitten to shreds by mosquitoes.

But despite all that, it was still one of those great holidays where we spent the days eating baguettes and exotic snacks from the local store, or playing volleyball in the pool followed by a game of cards.

While I can’t remember the exact villa we stayed at – I was barely a teenager after all – it remains a great affordable option for larger families wanting some R&R.

You can get private homes with a swimming pool for as little as £948 in September for an entire week – that works out to £33 each a night. Click here to book.

Or you can splash out and stay in some beautiful private houses on the grounds of medieval castles or glamorous apartments, if you’re happy dropping a few thousand.

(Just maybe skip the car journey if you have car-sick kids – while not an option in the 90s, Ryanair have gloriously cheap £16 flights to Carcassonne Airport from the UK).

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I found a London hotel where you get an entire SUITE to yourself for £32.50pp a night

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

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

You can bag an entire suite-sized room for £32.50pp a night at this underrated London hotel Credit: A&O Hotels
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

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

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

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

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

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Where is a&o London Docklands Riverside?

a&o London Docklands sits on the River Thames opposite the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf Credit: Getty

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

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

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

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

What is the hotel like?

You can even grab a drink in the “Urban Beach”, the hotel’s outdoor bar overlooking the Thames Credit: A&O Hotels

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

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

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

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

What are the rooms like?

It’s hard to find a better value London hotel for £32.50pp a night Credit: Jenna Stevens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is there to eat and drink?

Tuck into a buffet breakfast in the morning in the modern restaurant Credit: A&O Hotels

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

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

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

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

What else is there to do there?

Make sure to hop on the ferry to Canary Wharf and visit Fairgame for a fun night out Credit: wearefairgame

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it family friendly?

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

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

Is the hotel accessible?

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

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



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I stayed at the Norfolk seafront pub with crazy Sea Shanty festival and Insta-famous seafood platter

STRIKING orange sunsets over sage green marshes. Clear, starry skies and healing salty air. A seafront pub bringing all the party vibes and the best of local seafood.

This is The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, a posh pub with rooms on the North Norfolk coast.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens tries out The White Horse, a pub with rooms in North Norfolk Credit: Jenna stevens
The White Horse has benches facing right out to the saltmarshes of Brancaster Staithe Credit: The White Horse

Norfolk locals like me will tell you this pub is famous for three things: Oyster festivals, blazing orange sunsets, and the colossal Seafood Platter that’s doing the rounds on social media. (And maybe that clip of General Manager Rob falling off his chair on Instagram).

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The White Horse.

Where is The White Horse?

The White Horse sits on the North Norfolk coastline in the seaside village of Brancaster Staithe.

This stretch of North Norfolk coast is known for it’s freshly-caught seafood such as lobsters and oysters, vast golden beaches and laid-back, friendly feel.

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The seafront pub sits smack-bang on the Norfolk Coast Path, its garden leading straight out onto the coastal trail with its maze of creeks and pretty marshland.

Follow the trail along to Brancaster Beach to find a sprawling expanse of dog-friendly golden sand, where you can even spot the rusted wreck of a WWII ship.

What is the hotel like?

The White Horse has multi-level restaurants plus an outdoor terrace and Marshside bar Credit: The White Horse

The White Horse has an impressive exterior, with multi-levelled restaurants directly facing the salt marshes.

This setup offers unbeatable sunset views for arguably the best outdoor dining on the North Norfolk coast.

Inside the beachy theme continues with rattan furniture, shell and sailing artwork lining the walls, as well as a balance of cool blue and warm orange tones to reflect those famous Norfolk sunsets over the sea.

Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee by the creeks, or enjoying a pint of golden Wherry by the roaring fire, the whole place operates at an unhurried coastal pace – what locals dub being on ‘Norfolk time’.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms at The White Horse stick with the pub’s coastal theme, with oranges, blues and sea-themed art Credit: The White Horse

There’s 15 bedrooms in the main building, many of which look out over the sea, offering views over the sandy stretch of Scolt Head Island.

The ‘Room at the Top’ comes with a stargazing terrace and telescope, letting you take full advantage of Norfolk’s clear, starry skies.

The pub’s eight garden rooms are pricier starting at £210 per night, but are super spacious, come with their own outdoor terrace, and are just steps from the sea.

Rooms start from £165 per night, including breakfast. See whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The giant seafood platter contains everything from local oysters to smoked salmon and seared tuna Credit: The White Horse

There’s three main spots to eat here: the cosy bar, the swanky main restaurant, and the vibey Marshside bar.

The main bar is perfect for popping into after a breezy beach walk, where you can grab a pint of local ale or a hot drink and sink into the sofa.

There’s also light lunches and dinner on offer here, like focaccia sandwiches (£12.50), fish and chips (£22.50) and a local beef burger with fries (£19).

The raised main restaurant boasts panoramic views over the marshes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sunlight to flood in, with touches of warm light and glowing candles.

Here you can order a locally-caught Market Fish of the Day (£28.50) served with Norfolk potatoes, three huge Brancaster Rock Oysters for £13.50, or the one that people travel far and wide for: the Seafood Platter.

The Seafood Platter comes with smoked salmon, oysters, crab, cockles, clams, tuna, crevettes, prawn cocktail, caviar, mackerel, sauces and focaccia for £89, and can easily be shared between 2-3 people. It’s a must-try!

Then there’s Marshside – the outdoor bar and restaurant where the pub’s festivals are held in summer, and cocktails are enjoyed with salty air and vibey music.

If you’re dining at Marshside, go for the chicken kiev and fries – or a cheeky Bloody Mary served with an oyster on the side for £15.

What else is there to do there?

The White Horse put on a range of festivals each year, celebrating everything from sea shanties to paella and oysters Credit: The White Horse

This pub hosts very popular festivals over the summer and into September, including an annual Oyster Festival, Paella Weekend and a Lobster BBQ. Make sure to check the website for specific dates.

My favourite is the Sea Shanty Festival, where local crew Nelson’s Shantymen and touring shanty groups perform sea-faring favourites like Blow The Man Down and the TikTok-famous ‘Wellerman’ to raise money for the RNLI.

Outside of the festivals, there’s plenty of water sports to tackle nearby, from stand up paddling with Brancaster Boards to sailing with Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club.

If you’re looking to unwind, Wild Yoga Norfolk offers unique seaside wellness sessions like seaside sauna and swims in the saltwater creeks.

Twitchers will love nearby Titchwell Marsh, where you can spot birds like pink-footed geese, marsh harriers and avocets.

Sister pub The Jolly Sailors is just a few minutes down the road, and has a large beer garden with beach huts selling everything from unicorn ice cream to rum cocktails. They also serve generous bowls of local mussels, when in season.

Is it family friendly?

There are dedicated family rooms here with space for extra beds – just make sure to mention if you need this when booking.

There’s also a children’s menu in the restaurant with options for ‘Little Kids’ like haddock and chips (£9.50) and a chargrilled chicken burger (£9.50), or ‘Bigger Kids’ mains like a beef burger (£16) and even half a lobster with fries (£28).

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible garden rooms with ramps, as well as step-free access to restaurants.

Make sure to mention any additional needs you may have when booking.



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I found the best value London river cruise

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

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

I tried out City Cruises’ lunchtime river cruise, which includes a two-course meal plus a hot drink Credit: Jenna Stevens – The Sun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drift alongside London landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben on this tour Credit: Jenna Stevens – The Sun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The onboard restaurant felt very fancy with posh tableware and helpful waiters making sure you always have a drink Credit: Jenna Stevens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I enjoyed sitting back and watching the world go by – a far more peaceful way to see London than walking its busy streets Credit: Jenna Stevens – The Sun

Click below to browse offers at City Cruises

Prices correct at the time of publication.

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Inside the English holiday park right by the beach that ‘feels like you’re abroad’

IT’S not often you’ll find a sprawling holiday park with a lake in the middle- but you can on the Isle of Wight.

The Lakes Rookley holiday park is a short distance from some of the Isle of Wight‘s prettiest beaches, making it the ideal family break away from home.

The Lakes Rookley holiday park on the Isle of Wight has a lake in the middle Credit: Facebook/The Lakes Rookley Holiday Resort

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

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.

At the park, there are plenty of things for families to do including having a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool.

If the weather is nice, there is also an outdoor pool.

Other daytime activities to try out are watersports – thanks to the lake in the middle of the park guests can have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding.

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Though, if you want to keep the kids dry then there is also a huge Adventure Playground.

There’s an activity centre too, where you can drop into messy craft sessions, pottery painting, slime workshops and even archery.

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, you can head to The Lakeside Bar and Eatery which even has a veranda that overlooks the lake.

Settle in for the evening at the Spinnakers Entertainment Lounge, where there are live family shows to enjoy.

There are a number of different accommodation options at the park including The Lakehouse, which is exclusive to the park and sleeps up to four people.

Alternatively, you could stay in a comfort caravan sleeping up to six people, with a lounge and kitchen area as well as sea views.

There are a range of different accommodation types including options with hot tubs Credit: Facebook/The Lakes Rookley Holiday Resort
For kids, there are two pools, an outdoor adventure playground and an activity centre Credit: Facebook/The Lakes Rookley Holiday Resort

Fancy a dip in your own hot tub? Then make sure to book either a Luxury Caravan sleeping up to six people or an Island Cottage sleeping up to six people also.

One recent visitor said: “The park is just stunning, sat outside the restaurant overlooking the lake, sun shining and cocktail in hand you feel like you’re abroad!

“Stayed in a cottage, very sweet accommodation like a home away from home.”

While there is plenty to do at the park itself, there are also some great spots to visit in the local area.

For example, you could visit Carisbrooke Castle in Newport, which was used to imprison Charles I during the English Civil War.

Or, a 20-minute drive from the park, head to the beach and explore Sandown Pier – home to mini golf and lots of arcade machines.

For something a little different, 10 minutes down the road you will find The Garlic Farm, which is free to visit.

You will get a full garlic-themed experience, including a playground, restaurant and shop.

The easiest way to get to The Lakes Rookley holiday park is by hopping on the ferry, which the park has even partner with to get guests discounts.

You can get the Wightlink ferry from either Portsmouth or Lymington, the Red Funnel from Southampton or the Hover Travel from Portsmouth.

Depending on the ferry port you then come into, it takes between half an hour and 40 minutes to drive to the holiday park.

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.

You can sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month, or £12 for the year.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun 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.

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It’s your FINAL chance to book a £9.50 holiday this year

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

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

There’s plenty of activities for mini thrill-seekers at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay Credit: parkdean resorts cayton bay

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

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

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

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

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

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Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach

You could bag a stay at Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach Credit: Tripadvisor

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

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

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

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

Hayling Island Holiday Park

Hayling Island Holiday Park is available to book with The Sun’s £9.50 Holidays Credit: Booking.com

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

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

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

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

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

Skirlington Coast

Skirlington Coast holiday park has a brand new lido and festival gardens area Credit: Skirlington Coast

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

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

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

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

How to book your £9.50 holiday

There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:

  1. Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
  2. Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23. 
  3. 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 two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
  4. Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
  5. 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. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.

St Ives Bay Beach Resort

Unwind in your private hot tub at St Ives Bay Beach Resort Credit: Tripadvisor

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay Holiday Park in North Yorkshire has plenty of activities on offer Credit: Parkdean Resort / Cayton Bay Holiday Park

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

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

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

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

5 more £9.50 holiday parks to book

Here’s 5 more holiday parks you can book ahead for next year or book in for autumn.

Parkdean Resorts Landguard, Isle of Wight

A stay at this action-packed Parkdean resort gives you two holiday parks for the price of one! Stay in one of the site’s quiet, cosy wooden lodges, then head over to the sister park to make use of their facilities. Landguard is only a stone’s throw from Parkdean Lower Hyde, where guests can enjoy double the fun and double the facilities between both parks.

Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay

This park sits within woodlands overlooking the sea, with plenty of coastal trails and walks on its doorstep. But its peaceful location doesn’t mean you’re short on things to do here – kids can zip down the waterslide into an indoor heated pool, or burn off their energy on the adventure playground or sports courts.

Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire

If you want a relaxed break centred around getting outdoors, this is the pick for you. This park sits at the edge of 130 acres of Bowland forest, giving you direct access to endless woodland trails. Plus, this park sits within a dark sky reserve, meaning stargazing here is particularly spectacular.

Parkdean Resorts Sandford, Dorset

Step straight from your accommodation into Wareham Forest’s pine-scented trails, or go deer-spotting at nearby RSPB Arne. For off-site adventures, the iconic Corfe Castle ruins and world-famous Jurassic Coast are just a short drive away.

Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As the UK’s largest holiday park, Trecco Bay houses a massive indoor Splashland, a full-sized bowling alley, an arcade, and a soft play area and much, much more. There’s over 2,000 caravans and lodges here, ranging from affordable, comfy caravans to luxurious lodges with hot tubs.

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Brits are opting for more ‘micro-cations’

An aerial view of Portloe, a small coastal town in Cornwall, England, nestled in a valley with white houses and a small harbor.

Brits prefer several UK-based micro-cations across the year – over a holiday abroad

More than four in 10 now prefer several UK-based micro-cations throughout the year – over one annual holiday, according to research.

Over two in five (44 per cent) are now taking more micro-cations than they were five years ago Credit: SWNS
The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, also found 49 per cent have taken a micro-cation in the past year alone Credit: SWNS

A poll of 2,000 adults found they’d rather put the money one big getaway would cost towards multiple tiny breaks throughout the year.

With 20 per cent planning one of these short breaks – set within 100 miles of their home – this bank holiday weekend.

It emerged 76 per cent appreciated these types of holidays as they’ve helped them discover local hidden gems, such as historical landmarks, coastal towns, and British countryside.

Over two in five (44 per cent) are now taking more micro-cations than they were five years ago, compared to only 27 per cent who are upping the number of overseas trips.

The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, also found 49 per cent have taken a micro-cation in the past year alone, while 58 per cent agreed micro-cations are now part of their annual travel plans.

And 44 per cent would choose them as a first-choice option rather than a backup.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”

The study also found 69 per cent agreed a micro-cation was more affordable than visiting somewhere overseas, and of those who have swapped a holiday abroad for a micro-cation, 67 per cent did so to cut down on costs.

Of those who’ve saved money by doing this type of holidaying, 34 per cent have used the extra cash to take more short breaks, while 47 per cent put it straight into savings.

The study also polled 593 EV drivers and found almost half (47 per cent) said owning an electric vehicle has made them more likely to take a micro-cation.

Two in five (39 per cent) enjoyed the simplicity of leaving home with a fully charged car, and not having to hunt for a service station or public charging point.

Based on public data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in an average family car.

While it costs as little as £14.92 to charge an EV at home on a standard electricity tariff to cover the same distance – a saving of 59 per cent.

Smart meter owners could reduce costs even further by turning that already-lower cost of £14.92 into just £4.57 on average by charging overnight on a flexible EV tariff.

The OnePoll.com data also revealed 37 per cent of electric car drivers are already displaying this behaviour, versus only 14 per cent who choose public charging points.

Victoria Bacon added: “By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”

Double Olympic champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE, said: “Some of our best family adventures haven’t involved travelling hundreds of miles – they’ve been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.

“Whether it’s the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

“As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too.”

HELEN’S BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A MICRO-CATION:

  • Plan ahead: Pack the essentials and plenty of equipment – from a picnic to bikes or paddleboards – so you can enjoy a full day out and keep active without breaking the bank.
  • Swap expensive attractions for the great outdoors: Some of the best days out don’t cost a thing.
  • Save before you set off: For those who drive an EV, charging at home with a smart meter can unlock access to flexible tariffs, meaning you can charge when electricity is cheaper, keeping travel costs down before you even leave the house.
Based on public data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in an average family car Credit: SWNS

TOP 10 REASONS BRITS ARE PACKING FOR A MICRO-CATION:

1.    Explore more of the UK
2.    Discover places closer to home
3.    Lower travel costs
4.    Avoid hassle of overseas travel
5.    More travel flexibility
6.    Easier to organise than a longer trip
7.    To make holiday budgets go further
8.    Easier to fit around work
9.    Spend more time exploring
10.    Easier to fit around family commitments

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All the biggest and best £9.50 holiday parks on sale NOW

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

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

Skirlington Coast is a £9.50 holiday park that underwent a multi-million pound makeover this year Credit: Skirlington Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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Seal Bay is a £9.50 holiday park with beachfront pods, private hot tubs and a surfing simulator Credit: Destination Selsey

Seal Bay Resort, Selsey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skirlington Coast holiday park has a brand new lido, waterpark and festival gardens area Credit: Skirlington Coast

Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unity Beach has a newly-upgraded waterpark plus a huge free-entry theme park next door Credit: Pitch Up

Unity Beach

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

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

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

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

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

How to book your £9.50 holiday

There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:

  1. Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at midnight on Sunday, August 23.
  2. Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23. 
  3. 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 two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
  4. Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
  5. 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. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.

Billing Aquadrome is one of the most popular £9.50 Holiday parks with loads to do for kids Credit: meadow bay

Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

Trecco Bay is the UK’s largest holiday park, and is also one of the biggest in Europe Credit: Parkdean Resorts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunny Golden Sands in Rhyl sits on the North Wales coast, near Llandudno Credit: Alamy

Golden Sands, Rhyl

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newquay Bay Holidar Park gives you direct access to the glorious Cornish coast Credit: Alamy

Newquay Bay Holiday Resort

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

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

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

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

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

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Perfect £9.50 holidays for autumn on sale THIS weekend

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

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

Hundreds of new dates across £9.50 holiday parks are set to drop this weekend Credit: Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex

Take a day-trip to the narrow cobbled streets of Rye during a £9.50 break at Camber Sands Credit: Alamy

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

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

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

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

Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth

You could isit the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome on holiday in Great Yarmouth Credit: david@streetview-marketing.co.ukk

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough

Visit nearby Whitby to stroll its harbour, visit its spooky abbey and try award-winning fish and chips Credit: Getty

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

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

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

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

How to book your £9.50 holiday

There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:

  1. Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
  2. Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23. 
  3. 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 two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
  4. Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
  5. 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. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.

Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire

Park Holidays’ Bowland Fell is surrounded by 130 acres of stunning woodland to explore Credit: TripAdvisor

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay are hosting a plethora of Halloween activities for kids this October Credit: Parkdean Resorts

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

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

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

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

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

5 more £9.50 parks to book for autumn

Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire

With an indoor pool and splash zone for the kids, plus an on-site spa with a steam room and sauna for grown-ups, there’s really no need to brave the outdoors here.

But if you do fancy it, there’s high-ropes courses and lake walks alongside an action-packed Halloween entertainment schedule, plus you’ve got the medieval Tattershall Castle on your doorstep.

Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr, Conwy

Positioned at the foot of Snowdonia, the park offers direct access to Betws-y-Coed’s autumn forest walks and red-leafed mountain trails.

It also sits minutes from seasonal Halloween events at nearby Gwrych Castle and ghost tours along Conwy’s medieval town walls.

Park Holidays UK Hengar Manor, Cornwall

Set on a 35-acre country estate with large fishing lakes, this park offers a quiet autumnal retreat.

It sits directly next to Bodmin Moor’s walking trails and the immersive Halloween events hosted at nearby historic Bodmin Jail.

Parkdean Resorts Sandford, Dorset

Hiding in Wareham Forest, the park provides doorstep access to pine-scented walking trails, plus you can go deer-spotting at nearby RSPB Arne.

It’s also minutes from the ruins of Corfe Castle and glorious autumn walks along the Jurassic Coast.

Seal Bay Resort, West Sussex

£9.50 Holidays’ most popular park houses a massive indoor entertainment complex, packed with waterslides, bowling, arcades, a surf machine and more.

The park runs October half-term Halloween stage shows and cosy pottery painting sessions.

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This weekend is your LAST CHANCE to bag a £9.50 Holiday this year

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

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

Holiday parks such as Golden Coast will be available to book this weekend with £9.50 Holidays Credit: golden coast devon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There will be Park Holidays resorts available to book for this autumn or for next year Credit: park holidays uk

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

How to book your £9.50 holiday

There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:

  1. Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at midnight on Sunday, August 23.
  2. Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23. 
  3. 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 two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
  4. Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
  5. 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. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parkdean Resorts Highfield Grange is among the parks to have new dates added from this weekend Credit: Parkdean Holidays

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

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I stayed in glam pub with rooms in Norfolk’s ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’

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

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

The Hoste Arms is a popular pub in Burnham Market which offers 47 unique bedrooms Credit: Alamy
Inside has a traditional and cosy feel, with artwork that subtly nods to the coastal location Credit: The Hoste Arms

Where is The Hoste Arms?

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

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

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

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

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What is the hotel like?

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

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

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are spacious with a vintage feel, huge comfy beds and homely decor Credit: The Hoste Arms

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

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

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

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

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

What is there to eat and drink?

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

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

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

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

What else is there to do there?

Swim or go paddle-boarding in the saltmarshes of nearby Burnham Overy Staithe at sunset Credit: Alamy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it family friendly?

Families can make use of the “Borrow Boxes” provided by the hotel – just make sure to give them back! Credit: The Hoste Arms

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

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

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

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

Is the hotel accessible?

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

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

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