UK holidays

A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy

The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.

Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.

The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.

Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.

Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.

Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.

Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.

Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.

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The island town is known for its vibrant town centre, long history and stunning waterside setting nestled between the two sides of a glistening freshwater lake

“It’s a heavenly place to live,” says Barry Flanagan as we bob along on the sparkling water.

Barry is a water taxi tour guide in Enskillen, where he spends his days enthusing about the town. He combines his unique talent for talking, honed during ten years on local radio, with boating skills learned on the waterways of his hometown.

“Enniskillen is Ireland’s only island town. It is completely surrounded by water. We’re so lucky we live here,” he adds in a borderlands brogue.

If you’re from the centre of Ireland, then you’ll have heard of the town of 14,000. Enniskillen is known for its vibrant town centre, long history and stunning waterside setting nestled between Upper and Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.

Yet despite all these winning features, Enniskillen is little enough known that it was recently voted Ireland’s most underrated town.

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OPINION

Milo Boyd

And, as I discovered, underrated it certainly is.

The first place to start when discovering its delights is on the water. Lough Erne is the third largest freshwater lake in the UK and stretches across the south-western border. There is a brightness and cleanliness about the place. Flooded drumlin landscape stretches away from the loch past reedswamps, islets, and devilish-looking cormorants drying their wings in the sunshine.

With the water taxis chugging by, it’s easy to mistake its waterways for rural Netherlands or the Croatian delta of Vid. At least, in the brief moments when sleet showers are replaced by sunshine.

It’s also got a lot of history.

A short boat ride out of town takes you to Devenish Island. “There are 254 islands on Lough Erne, and Devenish Island is the jewel. It is a 6th-century monastic sight,” Barry explains.

Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries cleared Devenish of its once bustling 1,000-person population, but the remains of the buildings have stayed, including a perfectly preserved tower.

Rising up on a nearby hill is the imposing Enneskillen Royal Grammar School, where Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett were pupils at a similar time as two truanting young lads who managed to blow up the nearby 1613 Portora Castle using explosive skills honed in the chemistry lab.

Made of sturdier stuff is the 600-year-old Enskillen Castle. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it has remained strategically important since the charmingly named Hugh the Hospitable swung open its drawbridge.

The British took it over in the 17th century, turning it into a plantation stronghold for English and Scottish settler ‘undertakers’ tasked with controlling confiscated Gaelic land.

Despite such dicey moves, it remains remarkably intact today and serves as an enjoyable low-key museum.

“Fermanagh is a small county, but it packs a huge punch,” Barry enthuses as our tour comes to a close with a quick sail past Erne Water Taxi’s newest vessel, a completely solar-powered party boat.

“Would you believe in Fermanagh we have 14 plantation castles, three National Trust properties, a geopark that runs across the border, the Stairway to Heaven, and the Marble Arch Caves. It’s a heavenly place to live and we’re so lucky we live here.”

Any local who has spent an evening in Blakes of the Hollow will certainly agree. The Victorian pub is one of the most famous in Ireland and was packed to the rafters when I visited. The vibe inside is excellent and oiled by £5 pints of Guinness and live music on the weekends.

Wander several flights down from the pub, and you’ll get to 28 at the Hollow, an award-winning restaurant run by husband and wife team, Glen Wheeler and Zara McHugh. The food and service is as exceptional as I had expected, given no fewer than three people at my hotel had suggested I check it out.

The hotel in question is the Lough Erne Resort, a curious place that’s part 5* hotel, part timeshare estate made up of crenelated mansions that run along the lakefront. OAP bellboys greet you at the door as you walk into the grand foyer, where wood fires crackle in the grates. The rooms are enormous and comfortable, designed as they are for golfers to relax after a hard day’s thwacking on the 36-hole course.

Once you’re up and at them the next day, a coffee and a croissant at FOLK will fuel you up enough for a proper rummage at Lougherne Vintage.

Sitting in the quaint Butter Market part of town, the shop is packed full of goodies plundered by Katie Murphy and her husband from bootfairs across Europe. Unlike most vintage shop proprietors, Katie does not get her goods from eBay and Vintage, instead putting in the hard yards early on Sunday mornings. The result is a shop brimming with genuine treasures, including a Vivienne Westwood dress for a very reasonable price.

Like Enniskillen as a whole, drop by and you’re sure to unearth a hidden gem or two.

Book it

Rooms at Lough Erne Resort cost from £131.

Inneskillen is a two-hour bus ride from Belfast, costing £36.

This stunning Cornish village is a must-visit destination with breathtaking views, award-winning Michelin Guide dining, and a vibrant community spirit

We won’t describe this village as a ‘hidden gem’ because its gloriously stylish existence is hardly a secret – in fact, its appeal among the wealthy and well-known only adds to its elusive allure. Nestled snugly at the very tip of a breathtaking peninsula, when we say the vistas stretching out from this hamlet are unrivalled – we mean every word.

If the promise of extraordinary views isn’t sufficient to tempt you into paying a visit, there’s a wealth of further attractions to consider: fresh locally-sourced produce, Michelin guide restaurants serving world-class cuisine, a spectacular waterfront setting and a vibrant community spirit in abundance. All of this and more make the fishing village of St Mawes in Cornwall a certified must-visit destination.

Situated at the furthest point of the Roseland Peninsula, this jewel in South Cornwall ranks among Britain’s most coveted holiday spots, frequently earning the nickname ‘the St Tropez of England ‘. It has everything you could possibly desire in a short break – a crystal-clear cove with waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, charming and colourful cottages brimming with seaside character, eateries impressive enough to leave you in a food coma, and the ribbon topping off an already remarkable package – a castle.

It comes as little shock, then, that The Times recently named it among the ‘most beautiful places to visit’ in England. What is shocking is that it hasn’t yet been completely swamped with tourists – unlike St Ives or Padstow – and that’s likely due to its remote location, which takes time to reach.

Getting to this Cornish village isn’t impossible by any stretch, though – a picturesque car ferry or 40-minute journey from St Austell or Truro will transport you there with ease, reports the Express.

What makes the seaside village special

St Mawes boasts a rich maritime history, having been constructed around a beautiful sheltered harbour on the eastern side of the Fal Estuary – undoubtedly one of Britain’s finest sailing locations.

Upmarket waterfront eateries enhance this hamlet’s irresistible charm, with one of the hotels (Hotel Tresanton) even providing its own yacht, Pinuccia, for charter.

If you need convincing, look to the royals. St Mawes has become a certified Royal Family favourite, with King Charles and Queen Camilla regularly visiting the village during their yearly trips to the area as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.

St Mawes appeared to have won over the previous generation of royals, too, with the village described as one of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother’s preferred destinations during their journeys aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The appeal is universal (and spans the generations), it seems, as in recent years, Prince William and Princess Kate have also been spotted bringing their family to this coastal gem.

Foodie heaven

For a village with a population of roughly 700 people, give or take, St Mawes punches well above its weight when it comes to dining options, enough to make even the most food-obsessed cities envious.

Dishing up gloriously fresh seafood using locally sourced Cornish produce alongside stunning harbour views, The Idle Rocks is a Michelin Guide restaurant that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression if you pay it a visit.

Another waterfront treasure, Hotel Tresanton, was awarded one of the inaugural Michelin Keys in 2024, celebrating extraordinary hotels worldwide. The cocktails and ambience of the venue are frequently described by guests as ‘top-tier,’ and the spectacular view of St. Anthony’s Lighthouse is the cherry on top.

St Mawes Bakery is another essential stop, particularly for lunch, while the neighbouring St Mawes Seafood Bar serves… well, unrivalled seafood. Evening drinks can be savoured at The Rising Sun or the more traditional Victory Inn, while the St Mawes Hotel is equally brilliant for a sit-down meal. Cafe Chandlers is a fantastic spot for coffee and delectable, freshly baked goodies. Harbourside dining at The Watch House in St Mawes is, quite simply, a no-brainer.

Things to do in the seaside haven

Top of the agenda is exploring St Mawes’ distinctive, clover leaf-shaped St Mawes Castle – a magnificent example of Tudor craftsmanship and engineering. Nearly circular in design, this stunning historical landmark was constructed by Henry VIII.

Children, in particular, will be captivated by the numerous cannons positioned across the castle’s terraced lawns, which command views over the beautiful bay. Boutiques and galleries add an artistic flair that any prosperous village needs to truly distinguish itself, and the Waterside Gallery is an excellent destination.

Summers Beach offers a wonderful sheltered location for swimming (not always guaranteed in Cornwall), while Tavern Beach, nearer to the castle, is ideal for some traditional rock-pooling.

Harbour Beach, situated right in the heart and only reachable at low tide, is the spot to visit with your four-legged friends. It’s worth noting that there are no lifeguards on duty in St Mawes. Be sure to visit Lamorran House Gardens, featuring its charming bridges and cascading waterways.

There’s no shortage of activities in this Cornish village, making it the perfect choice for your next UK break.

One beach has been named third best in the world with its stunning backdrop, and it’s not in Cornwall, Devon or Yorkshire

Residents in a picturesque seaside town may need to prepare for an influx of tourists this year, after their stunning beach secured a spot on TripAdvisor’s ‘best of the best’ global list for 2026. It nearly claimed the top position, landing in an extremely impressive third place, thanks largely to its absolutely breathtaking backdrop.

When discussing beaches in the UK, Roker and Seaburn beaches have drawn comparisons to LA and Tynemouth has been likened to Australia’s Bondi Beach. Yet, for countless people – both residents and tourists alike – there’s one that will forever reign supreme in the North East, and that’s Bamburgh.

So much so, the location has been named Britain’s ‘best seaside’ town for five consecutive years, despite technically being a village, reports the Express.

Visited by celebrities including Hollywood A-lister Harrison Ford and Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts in recent years, the beach has long been considered amongst the finest destinations.

It boasts spectacular scenery, a brilliant day out, fresh sea air, and a chance to clear your head, regardless of the conditions.

Even during the recent bitter cold snap, visitors have continued strolling along its renowned sands and admiring the ‘unparalleled’ and utterly magnificent views of Bamburgh Castle in the distance.

It is the very location where Hollywood star Harrison shot an Indiana Jones film in 2021.

Interestingly, in last year’s rankings, Bamburgh actually trailed behind Roker and Seaburn amongst the UK’s finest beaches.

The beach is now proudly representing the UK as the sole entry from British shores on TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards best-of-the-best list for one-of-a-kind beaches.

Bamburgh comes in third place, behind only Boulders Beach in South Africa and Isola Bella in Sicily – a prestigious list that celebrates beaches boasting the most extraordinary settings.

Bamburgh has been rightly recognised for its breathtaking Medieval backdrop, which sets it apart from the crowd.

Highlighting its position on the One of a Kind list, TripAdvisor writes: “Framed by the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, this beach boasts miles of soft white sand, and a dramatic coastal backdrop.

“The dog-friendly stretch is close to the charming Bamburgh village, making it a standout choice for unforgettable family escapes and romantic coastal breaks.”

More and more Gen Zs and Millennials are hiring UK holiday homes in order to dress up together, away from the scrutiny of their parents, partners and society at large

“It’s difficult playing at your house. You’re trying to get in the mood to slay a vampire, and then someone’s boyfriend comes in to get a snack.”

It’s a problem we’ve all had. Or at least, those of us who are among the growing number of British Dungeons and Dragons players who are swapping sunbeds in Lanzarote for a cottage in the Lake District, and trading their piña colada for a couple of D4s and an orc costume.

Driven by “cosy crime” hits such as The Traitors and Agatha Christie adaptations, one in four Brits and half of Gen Z have booked a staycation specifically to host a murder mystery, games night, or TV-themed weekend with friends or family, according to an exclusive cottages.com study.

An early adopter of this trend is young Millennial Georgia Johnson, who has just celebrated a decade of leaving the boyfriends behind in London and heading to somewhere secluded to roll dice.

“We’ve been to Valencia twice, a place in Kent, a friend’s house in Bath and up to the Lake District,” the North London DnD player explained.

For Georgia and her costume-clad pals, getting away from it all really helps to set the mood.

“One time, we knew we were going to have a fortune telling, so we put out loads of tarot cards and dice and had a candlelit session,” she explained.

“Cottages.com has spooky castles and chapels you can stay in, and a button that shows you a nearby pub. Generally, you get up, DnD, have lunch at a pub, come back, more DnD, then around midnight it can get a bit silly and hazy. At the moment, we are playing Curse of Strahd, which is modelled on Dracula. We are hoping to go to Whitby to finish the game. We want candles lit and spooky music.”

For the uninitiated, it’d be easy to overlook the ubiquity of role-playing games like DnD, or consign them to the ‘80s fad bin’ only recently revived by a starring role in Stranger Things.

In fact, they’ve been growing in popularity for years and continue to reach new peaks. 52 years after its invention, DnD has 13.7 million active players. One study suggests that interest in tabletop role-playing games has increased by roughly 85% since 2020. This purple patch extends to Nottingham-based Warhammer, which was worth £4.7bn at the end of 2024.

For many gentler souls, such games are a fantastic way of expressing oneself creatively. Among Georgia’s clan is Ben, an office worker during the week who dons a moustache and becomes “officer of the post” Derbert Clifton-Brown at the weekend.

He is joined by creative Kash, who has purchased ears specifically designed for people of colour, and Oliver, who likes to paint himself green.

Before the crew started travelling to play, Georgia’s mum walked in on them in the act. “She said she would’ve rather found us having an orgy,” the 33-year-old said.

Another great RPG lover is James Mackenzie-Thorpe. Not only has he travelled across the UK to enjoy weekend sessions with his friends, but he has also brought dozens of DnDers to a unique tourist attraction.

“My first day working at Kents Caverns I heard some colleagues talking DnD. I asked if I could play, but there was no work group. Later on, I woke up from a dream and thought I should write an adventure set in the caves. So I wrote it and played it with a group of five, in the caves. It went really well. Then another group. Then we decided to do it for the public. Now, for three years, I’ve run DnD in the cave for the general public,” James explained.

Kents Caverns are a network of prehistoric caves in Torquay, Devon, that lie beneath the hotel that inspired Fawlty Towers. James takes tours by day and hosts quests by night.

And he puts a lot of effort into it, paying for maps to be professionally painted and bringing rechargeable lanterns to light up the skull-lined caves.

“It’s been a tremendous amount of fun. You never know what you’re going to get with each group. We’ve had people travelling from Cornwall and Somerset. One group had been playing with each other online during Covid. They had never met in real life before they came and played with me in the caves. They booked an Airbnb and stayed together,” he said.

For James, the real joy of DnD comes in seeing people express themselves freely, which traveling to a cottage or heading underground can help some do.

“We have a young member who has been four or five times to play in the caves. They’re non-binary and are just starting to come to terms with that. To see everyone really take that person in hand, to really help that person come out of their shell, it makes me really proud,” he said.

A travel enthusiast has praised the unique and picturesque town as looking straight out of a fairytale with its colourful thatched cottages and an all-year Christmas shop

While we all love our home comforts, sometimes it’s nice to get away and discover somewhere new. And this picturesque town might be the perfect destination for a spring getaway.

With a plethora of travel options available to reach other countries or destinations within the UK, deciding where to go can be a challenge. However, one travel enthusiast named Dani, from London, has recently sung the praises of a charming UK town that looks almost as if it’s out of the pages of a fairytale.

Dani frequently shares her favourite hidden gems discovered during her UK travels with her 13,100 followers on Instagram, where she goes by the handle ‘dani.inlondon’. One of her latest travel spots seemed as if it had leapt right off the pages of a storybook.

“Fairytale cottages, an all-year Christmas shop, and a place that feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast… this is Shanklin,” Dani wrote at the beginning of the caption for her video post about the town on the Isle of Wight.

In the video, Dani can be seen meandering through the quaint, winding streets of the town, which are lined with old, yet vibrant cottages boasting thatched roofs making up most of the high street, including the Christmas shop she mentioned.

There are also numerous routes to explore, with some leading down to the sea, while others take you to cafes and restaurants where you can savour a meal while admiring the stunning landscape.

“You’ve got the beach just down the road, the famous Shanklin Chine to explore, and so many little spots to stop for coffee or cream tea along the way,” Dani elaborated.

She continued: “If you’re looking for the perfect spring getaway that feels a bit different, this is definitely one to add to your list.”

And Dani wasn’t alone in her sentiment, as the comment section of the video quickly filled with users expressing their surprise and delight about the Isle of Wight town.

“What a cute place,” one person wrote, while another remarked: “Aww this place is so gorgeous, absolutely beautiful.”

A third person said: “Ohh such a cute place, looks amazing.”

How to get to Shanklin

If you’re keen to visit this enchanting town, there are several ways to reach it. You could opt for a drive down to Portsmouth Harbour, followed by a 20-minute ferry ride to the Isle of Wight. Upon arrival at Ryde Pier Head, simply continue the 20-minute drive down to Shanklin.

If driving isn’t your prefered mode of transport, you can also catch a train directly to Portsmouth Harbour. This makes it easy for you to access the ferry, which will be included in the train fare if you book your journey directly to Shanklin.

Upon reaching Ryde, simply make your way to the train station for the final part of your trip, a 22-minute train ride to Shanklin.

Set against the backdrop of narrow cobbled lanes and ancient Georgian architecture with independent shops and a thriving antique scene, is a picturesque UK town

A charming English town offers a glimpse into bygone eras, with its narrow cobbled lanes and more than 400 listed buildings, set against diverse landscapes.

The historic town of Petworth in Sussex has an undeniable charm with its 17th-century Georgian architecture, ancient stone cottages and winding cobbled alleyways. There are hidden treasures around every narrow corner of this pretty town, brimming with independent boutiques and cosy cafés, as well as delicatessens and welcoming pubs.

It’s conveniently located just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth, offering a delightful day out among its unspoilt surroundings. It was even named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s most beautiful towns, due to its picturesque location.

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But it’s Petworth’s flourishing art and antiques scene that truly stands out. The medieval town, boasting over 400 listed buildings, has an array of galleries and more than 30 antique shops where visitors can discover ancient gems.

One of the most sought-after destinations for vintage items is Petworth Antiques Market, home to more than 40 dealers selling everything from beautiful furniture to ornaments and a vast collection of homeware. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”

After an afternoon spent uncovering vintage goodies, visitors can sample the flavours at one of their eateries, with The Hungry Guest on Middle Street standing out as one of the town’s finest establishments. Offering seasonal, locally sourced, fresh and artisanal dishes, the restaurant truly enhances Petworth’s culinary reputation.

There’s also a selection of welcoming pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn. But beyond the town centre, Petworth serves as a haven for avid walkers.

There are diverse terrains easily accessible from the charming town, including the dramatic chalk hills of the South Downs National Park and the ancient woodland of The Mens Nature Reserve. However, Petworth House and Park remain the town’s crown jewel, with its expansive 700-acre parkland encircling the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Guests can take time touring the historic stately home and uncover an outstanding collection of world-class art and sculptures. The estate stands as one of the finest surviving examples of an English landscape crafted by the celebrated Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Another striking feature at Petworth Park is the hundreds of deer that roam freely around the sprawling grounds. They can be readily observed, or visitors can take in the breathtaking vistas of the South Downs while wandering through the grounds.

The National Trust park has undoubtedly placed Petworth firmly on the map and is a favourite among visitors. Particularly after featuring in major film productions, such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as Netflix’s hit drama Bridgerton. Visitors

After a visit, one holidaymaker enthused: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the family’s history. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

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British holiday firms are reporting a boom in bookings up to 235% compared to this time last year, as the Iran war forces people to cancel far-flung destinations and look closer to home instead

Brits are looking again at holidays closer to home this summer as fears grow that the Iran war could ground flights and spike plane ticket prices by up to 50%.

Aviation bosses are said to be growing increasingly worried that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could spell jet fuel shortages within weeks – and are struggling to get guarantees of supply beyond the next month. ⁠

Contingency plans being drawn up would see holidaymakers hit by airlines ‘rationing’ their operations, including a reduced schedule, higher prices and cancellation of less profitable routes.

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It comes as other destinations beloved by British tourists have ended up Iran’s crosshairs.

Cyprus, Turkey and Abu Dhabi are some of the destinations thrown into doubt this year thanks to the Middle East crisis – but holidaymakers are already making ‘staycation’ bookings instead for the likes of Norfolk, Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight as they eye up a safer, more certain getaway.

David Land, who works at the University Technical College in Durham, was forced to cancel upcoming stays in Dubai and the Maldives for his wife Barbara’s birthday – and has lined up “sunny Cornwall” as an alternative.

“I’m a bit of a foodie, so I quite like the idea of seeing how many restaurants I can go to, in terms of Paul Ainsworth’s, Rick Stein’s”, he said, aiming to spend four or five days “at least” in the Land of Saints.

David and his wife, who are both in their 70s and tied the knot in 1979, went on one of their first holidays together on the beaches of Northumberland – and he’s also considering a return there this year.

“I would say the majority of our holidays have been abroad, in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean – but we’ve been saying ‘Why can’t go on a holiday more in the UK’?”, he told the Mirror. “Apart from the need to pack appropriate clothing, it’s a lovely place to go – as long as the people doing it don’t try to rip us off, as happened a bit around Covid.”

‘We’re not going to listen to Donald Trump’

Asked why he hasn’t chosen to simply reschedule his existing foreign holidays, he said: “We’re not going to listen to Donald Trump when he says the war’s going to be over in ‘three or four weeks’. There’s no confidence that we would be able to go back, not until the war stops, and even then we’d have to know that it’s not going to start again.”

Businesses across the UK tourism industry are already reporting a boom in bookings not seen since the pandemic, with Google searches for ‘best staycations’ up 40% since Trump launched his bombardment of Iran.

Business is booming, say British travel firms

Samantha Evans, founder of Humphreys of Henley, said her luxury travel firm has experienced the “busiest start to the year on record”, with the “safe and deeply enriching” surrounds of the English countryside attracting both domestic guests and those from further afield, particularly the United States.

She told the Mirror: “Luxury hotels are reporting an increase in domestic demand over the next three months. British guests are choosing to stay closer to home, but still want exceptional, experience-led travel – so they’re trading airports for the countryside rather than cancelling plans altogether.”

Rental agency Habitat Escapes told the Mirror that their bookings are up 235% this week compared to the same date last year, with the majority for Silverlake Estate in Dorset and the remainder for Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds.

And industry expert Emily Keogh, a former judge for The Hotel Magazine Awards, said there was renewed interest in “spontaneous countryside escapes and coastal getaways that can be booked at relatively short notice” because of the new difficulties in international travel.

Others believe this is part of a movement back towards British holidays that began well before the Middle East crisis, as Matthew Price, CEO of travel firm Awaze, said: “This trend of staying closer to home is part of a broader pattern of behaviour we’ve seen in the UK for a number of years, where holidaymakers are choosing staycations over going abroad. From coastal to countryside getaways, the quality and variety on offer in the UK means a domestic break can feel just as exciting as going overseas.

He revealed bookings were up 26% for Cottages.com, alongside a 10% rise in summer bookings for Hoseasons. While the South West remains a popular destination, regions like the North West and Southern Scotland are seeing “the strongest year-on-year growth for the peak summer period”, Mr Price said.

And the Great British holiday may benefit too from rising jet fuel prices, which experts have warned could push up the cost of plane tickets very soon.

Jet fuel shortages threaten cancellations and price hikes

European jet fuel prices reached an all-time high of $1,698 per tonne this week – more than double the $830 per tonne before the air strikes on Iran – and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending alarm bells ringing among airline bosses.

While European airlines have stressed that they are currently operating with normal levels of fuel, Scandinavia’s SAS became the first this week to admit it had introduced a “temporary price adjustment” in response to the soaring prices, with more expected to follow.

Experts now predict a potential 30% to 50% hike in plane tickets for European summer holidays if the fuel crisis drags on, potentially costing an extra £600 for a family of four heading to the Canary Islands, Greece or Morocco.

Long-haul flights would see even steeper price increases, with a family trip to Australia going up by an eye-watering £2,400.

James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”

An end to the age of cheap foreign holidays is likely to help tip the balance back in favour of domestic holidays when it comes to cost, as ‘staycations’ have long been criticised for poor value for money – especially when it comes to accommodation.

You can expect to pay at least £500 for five nights in a budget holiday let near St Ives – but in Malaga, the equivalent would set you back just £350.

Air travel chaos threatens holiday favourites

British holidaymakers preparing to head to Spain on their Easter getaways have meanwhile been warned to expect chaos at airports, with a national baggage handler strike threatening to cause missed connections and delayed boarding.

And there’s mounting uncertainty around Turkey, where three Iranian missiles have been intercepted since the beginning of the conflict, and popular Brit destination Cyprus, which saw the RAF base on the island’s southern coast come under drone attack.

Foreign Office chiefs currently advise anyone travelling to either country to be aware of the risks of ‘regional escalation’.

The Citizens Advice Bureau say holidaymakers who are unsure over a trip they have booked in the months ahead should get in touch with their travel provider – but don’t cancel before speaking to them, as you may lose your right to a refund.

Top 10 destinations for British summer holidays:

The top 10 UK destinations for summer staycations, based on consumer research of 2,000 UK adults by Sykes Holiday Cottages: