14 last minute summer holiday deals from UK holiday parks to European islands
There are still plenty of late deals for all budgets at home and abroad – from a holiday park lodge near Mablethorpe to a luxury hotel in the Maldives.
Here, Trisha Harbord has the low-down on 14 fabulous summer offers.
GOING GREEK
YOUNGSTERS staying at Crete's Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach have their own pool, mini-club with entertainment and crafts, playground and special menus.
The 214-room hotel, near Chania, takes care of adults too.
There's sports, restaurants, bars and fantastic views of Thodorou, an island and national park across from Agia Marina.
DON'T MISS A TRICK
Watch his tricks, illusions and games during a break at Bognor Regis resort.
Or choose a stay to see The Masked Singer Live's show at the park, with new characters, songs and mystery celebrities.
There are pools with slides and flumes, unlimited fairground rides and the £1.8million Skyline Gang soft play.
Discover UK's Best Beaches: Hidden Gems Revealed
GO: Four nights' self-catering for a family of four in a two-bedroom Comfort room from July 21, costs from £458 in total.
See butlins.com.
LUXE FOR LESS
ENJOY Caribbean luxury on Antigua.
Families booking a suite at the five-star Blue Waters get 25 per cent off and two kids under 12 go all-inclusive for free.
The beachfront resort has a new kids' activity programme until August 31, including boat trips, yoga, tennis and cooking.
There are movie nights, barbecues, discos and fire dancing.
GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive for a family of four from Gatwick on August 14, costs from £9,450 (saving £2,000).
See tropicalsky.co.uk.
LOVE A LODGE
SAVE nearly a third on a Lincolnshire lodge break.
Landal Kenwick Woods resort is in the beautiful Wolds and close to the seaside towns of Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea.
Kids' activities include archery, basketball, pottery painting and workshops and adults can unwind in the pool and spa.
GO: Three nights' self-catering in a two-bedroom lodge for four people, is from £549 in total, arriving July 25.
See landal.co.uk.
MALDIVIAN MAGIC
THIS is a bucket-list family holiday for a bargain price.
Staying all-inclusive on the idyllic Vilu Reef in a jacuzzi deluxe villa, the children can kick back on the powder-white sands or snorkel the house reef, home to turtles, just a few minutes from the beach.
Enjoy pools, sports, kids' club, spa, dive centre, bars and restaurants.
GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive, (two kids under 12 stay free) from Heathrow on August 20, from £1,871pp, based on four sharing and including seaplane transfers.
See luxtripper.co.uk or call 0203 023 7776.
4
HORSING AROUND
SLEEP in the Haybarn — now converted into a lodge on a working equestrian farm in Surrey.
The two-bed property has all mod-cons and free welcome hamper.
Kids will love romping around paddocks and if you've got your own horse, you can take it too.
Frensham Great Pond beach, Leith Hill's woodland trails and Box Hill's kite-flying fields are nearby.
GO: Three nights' self-catering from August 1, is from £714 in total.
See ruralretreats.co.uk.
FUN FOR ALL
JUST what mixed-age families need — a hotel for tinies and teens.
The H10 Lanzarote Princess, in Playa Blanca has a Daisy Adventure club for young kids with a pool and pirate ship, playground, crafts and a mini-disco.
The Teenclub has games, watersports, films and outdoor entertainment.
The four-star hotel has lots of dining options, a spa, beauty centre and gym.
GO: Seven nights' B&B from Gatwick on select August dates is from £744pp.
Book by July 25 at britishairways.com/Lanzarote.
GO NOR-FOLK
HEMSBY Beach holiday park in Norfolk is bursting with activities for kids of all ages, including sea scooters, climbing walls, a high ropes course, shows, amusements and leisure complex.
Some luxury lodges, sleeping two to eight, have hot tubs and you are just 350 yards from the sands.
Great Yarmouth, Norwich and the Norfolk Broads are a short trip away.
GO: Three nights' self-catering for a family of four costs from £415 (was £519) in August.
See hoseasons.co.uk.
ITALIAN JOB
SAVE 30 per cent on a three-bedroom villa in the hills above Lake Maggiore.
Villa Caruso has all mod cons and a terrace and balconies to soak up the superb views.
The town of Luino is three miles away.
GO: The villa, sleeping six, from £140 a night between August 18 and September 3.
See bookingsforyou.com.
Return flights from Gatwick from £73 return.
See easyJet.com.
BOOK a mini-cruise and let the ship's crew do the rest.
Food and entertainment are included so all the family can have a ball aboard MSC Virtuosa.
There's super dining, kids' clubs, theatre shows, a 4D cinema, aqua park with slides, sports and more.
You'll sail from Southampton and spend two nights on the France Escape cruise, calling at Cherbourg in Normandy.
GO: Two nights for a family of four, departing August 21 costs from £756 in total.
See seascanner.co.uk.
DREAMS COME TRUE
Majorca's south-west coast.
There are pools with slides, ten restaurants, plus kids' clubs for all ages.
Adults can indulge in spa treatments and yoga classes.
The four-star hotel is close to the bustling resort of Magaluf.
GO: Seven nights' B&B from Gatwick on August 26, costs from £839pp (was £1,214).
See tropicalsky.co.uk.
PARK LIFE
EUROCAMP has summer discounts on trips to its Netherlands parks this summer.
Ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures with all the fun.
The four-star Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel in North Brabant has pools, sports galore, a zipwire and soft play areas.
The Dunes of Loon National Park is next door and magical theme park Efteling is a ten-minute drive.
GO: Seven nights' self-catering in a three-bed holiday home for six from July 26, costs from £785 in total (saving 20 per cent) or including Dover-Calais return ferry from £985.
See eurocamp.co.uk.
SUN EXCLUSIVE
GET three nights for the price of two with Cotswold Farm Park Holidays' deal for a camping or motorhome pitch.
The farm, near Cheltenham, also has lodges, glamping tents and safari tents.
Families can see and interact with 50 rare animal breeds.
There are play areas, a restaurant, food stalls and shop.
GO: Pitches from £25.95 a night.
For the offer, use the ONEFREENIGHTSUN by July 31.
See cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk.
THERE'S a 20 per cent discount and free car hire with a villa booking on Lefkas.
The isle is reached by a causeway from mainland Greece.
Anemoni Villa, sleeping four people, has wifi, infinity pool and sea and mountain views.
It's in the seaside village of Nidri which has restaurants, bars, watersports and boat trips.
See solmarvillas.com.
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Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Telegraph
Escape the hordes at Greece's last great off-the-radar glories
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Here's our selection of the loveliest off-the-radar spots which the tourist hordes haven't yet discovered, and where the hazy, dreamy Greece of yesteryear lives on. Skopelos Before hosting the Mamma Mia nuptials, this small island in the Cyclades was barely on the tourist trail. Now, however, you'll find more tours in its tiny hilltop Agios Ioannis church than olives in a Greek restaurant. Yes, it's pretty as a picture, but so are the other 360 or so chapels and churches dotted around the island. Go beyond this popular spot, however, and you'll soon find Skopelos – 80 per cent of which is covered by pine forest – retains much of its traditional charm. This is helped by the fact that the island has no airport (just frequent ferries from neighbouring Skiathos), meaning it gets a fraction of the tourists it otherwise might. The stunning Panormos beach, with its deep crystal clear waters, is 12km from Skopelos town and popular for divers keen to explore the wreck of the Greek cargo steamer Christoforos, which sank in 1983. It's a large beach with parasols and beds (some free, some around €5 a day), but it's also possible to hire a motorboat to seek out one of many deserted coves along the coastline that are inaccessible by road. For some authentic Skopelitan shopping, the Rodios pottery workshop and store in Skopelos Town is the place to to buy the island's patented black pottery. Since 1900, four generations of the Rodios family have continued their tradition of creating unique black ceramics, and you can even watch Nikos Rodios at work at their original foot-operated wheel. Just don't ask him to reveal how the pottery achieves its celebrated colour – it's a closely guarded secret. Portaria and Makrinitsa The third largest port in Greece (after Athens and Thessaloniki) and an important industrial hub, Volos is about as far from textbook Hellenic paradise as you can get. But there's more to it than meets the eye. For those seeking something rather special, it's also the gateway to the lush hills of Mount Pelion, where the ancient Centaurs (half-man, half-horse) are said to have brought up the young hero Jason, who went on to lead his Argonauts in the quest to find the Golden Fleece. Pelion was also believed to be the summer residence of the Olympian Gods, who enjoyed its abundance of figs, olives and pomegranates under the pine and cypress trees. Half an hour's drive up the winding hillside, the twin villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa appear like an illustrated pop-up book. Plane trees with maple-shaped leaves grow close to the abundant natural springs dotted all around Makrinitsa, offering soothing shade for those keen to take a dip. The town square, meanwhile, is the heart of the village, filled with tiny shops selling bunches of mountain herbs to cure all ills. Even the local cats are on a go-slow; you simply can't help but relax here. Skyros The fishing village of Linaria is the port stop for Skyros, from where a €15 taxi will take you to the main town (or Chora – the name for most Greek island capitals). Here, the medina-like streets and white-cubed buildings seem to cling to the hillside, which is topped by the Byzantine Castle and Monastery of Skyros. Not being much of a shopper myself, it was refreshing to see something different being offered in the quirky stores along the marbled walkways: miniature boats made of driftwood and sailors twine; traditional Trochadia sandals made of leather with rubber soles from car tyres (certainly more unusual than the ubiquitous Birkenstock); and Skyrian macarons topped with a clove and stuffed with walnuts and thyme-scented honey. 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Less likely to be on everyone's radar is Patmian House, a living museum which not only reflects a typical wealthy family home, but also depicts the way in which wealth is passed down through the daughters, rather than the sons, of each family. Perhaps the Greeks were on to something from the start… How to do it Most major cruise lines offer itineraries covering various Greek isles – but bear in mind that companies with smaller vessels can reach a wider range of islands, and – better still – have the flexibility to adapt itineraries depending on the sailing conditions, opening up more opportunities to get off the typical tourist trail. A good option is SeaDream, a line whose catchphrase is 'It's yachting, not cruising': you're technically on a cruise, but with a yachting mindset, allowing for a flexible route which often leads to bonus destinations not on the original itinerary (such as Kusadasi in Turkey to see the ancient city of Ephesus by night). Choosing to sail with a company like SeaDream also often means additional comforts (nightly turndown gifts such as monogrammed pyjamas and personalised water bottles, for example), and experiential highlights such as sleeping under the stars on the top deck or zooming down a huge inflatable slide straight into the Aegean. What to book SeaDream Yacht Club (020 7399 7670) has an 11-day Greek Odyssey round-trip from Athens. Prices from £12,465 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow, overseas transfers and all meals and drinks, use of waterspouts equipment, gratuities and port fees. Departs September 19 2026. If you'd like to tack on a few days in Athens pre-cruise, the five-star Xenodocheio Milos hotel has rooms from £259 (including breakfast), as well as a fabulous spa, superb fish restaurant, and great location close to Athens's most famous sites and buzzy areas such as Psyri, Kolonaki and Pangrati.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
I visited Greece's biggest island with olive oil shots, TUI hotels and restaurants with free desserts
I KNOCK back my glass, swirling the golden liquid around in my mouth before swallowing. It tastes very smooth at first, then comes a subtle bitterness that catches the back of the throat as it slides down — this is a sign of a high quality extra virgin olive oil, I'm told. 7 I'm not surprised it's so good. After all, I am standing in the birthplace of Greek olive oil: Crete. And this balmy island produces some of the finest in the world. I'd booked my excursion through National Geographic, which offers small guided tours to the family-run Agno. The business owns thousands of trees spread across 40 different sites, where olives are hand-picked and processed into oil in less than six hours, ensuring the freshest, highest-quality product possible. Unsurprisingly, their oil has been awarded first prize by the International Extra Virgin Olive Oil organisation — which is a bit like winning the Champions League, but for salad dressing. Nearly 900,000 Brits holidayed in Crete last year, sampling its mix of Mediterranean cuisine, history and culture — and much of it is fantastic value. During my visit, I enjoyed a delicious three-course meal with wine for just £19 per head and stayed in a five-star hotel which, including flights, set me back a breezy £855 for a week all-inclusive. I was staying at the TUI Blue Sensatori Atlantica Caldera Palace Hotel which caters for both lazy sun-worshippers and holidaymakers who demand an endless choice of stimulating activities. The sprawling property has wine tasting and cooking demonstrations along with fitness and wellness classes, enabling guests to burn off calories just as easily as piling them on. I embraced it all from day one, kicking off my holiday with a gong bathing session. I was instructed to wear swim shorts and head to the pool area, where floating aqua boards were awaiting. Secret hack for free dessert Laying down on the board, I shut my eyes while the instructor at the edge of the pool softly banged the gong, lulling me into a 45-minute slumber. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival Yes, it may sound silly, but the experience was pure bliss. I've never felt such profound relaxation. Juicy lamb chops The following day, still in a sleepy state, I was reluctantly dragged (or not) to a wine tasting session, another activity on the Tui Blue programme. I learned how wine making in Crete dates back thousands of years, with producers now selling their product around the world. My favourite was Viavano Gavalas — a white wine using a grape that can only be found in Crete. It's aged in oak barrels and has a smooth, creamy flavour which goes well with meat and fish. You can pick a bottle up online for as little as £10. I also had the privilege of attending a cooking class while I was here, accompanied by one of the hotel's chefs who hails from Crete. We learned how to create some classic Greek dishes including tzatziki, a yoghurt mezze dish that pairs well with practically everything and is a staple of the country's cuisine. The dish is made by mixing shredded cucumber, crushed garlic, fresh herbs and salt in yogurt before adding red wine vinegar and olive oil. If you're not into cooking your own food, the hotel's all-inclusive package includes access to two buffet restaurants as well as its Oregano Greek Tavern and a Tex Mex joint. After taking advantage of all the excellent dishes, I was feeling even more grateful for my swim-up suite, which enabled me to jump into the hotel's meandering pool straight from my balcony. I could have spent an entire week without leaving the Atlantica Caldera Palace Hotel, but it was worth tearing myself away for a brief visit to Hersonissos, on the east side of the island and about 20 minutes' drive from the city of Heraklion. 7 7 7 The pretty Old Town is an ideal place to spend a day, strolling in the historic streets flanked by old stone buildings and brimming with little restaurants serving properly authentic cuisine. I somehow found room in my second stomach for a meal at Sofas restaurant, where tables are spread across the bustling village square. On top of flavour-packed mezze dishes like vine leaves and fried squid, I tucked into juicy lamb chops and chicken kebabs barbecued to perfection. When the waiters asked about a third course, we waved our napkins like white flags, admitting surrender. But little did we know that in doing so, we had unlocked a secret Cretan dining hack: Free dessert. Without saying a word, the staff delivered a selection of puddings including a lemon tart topped with a blow-torched meringue as well as a chocolate, caramel and peanut pastry. Apparently it's a common tradition across the island — a bit like the limoncello shots dished out for free in Italy. Best of all, this hearty meal set us back only £38pp. What a bargain. After a week in Crete, my stomach really was ready to surrender. But this time, my napkin remained firmly in my lap. 7
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Kourtney Kardashian cuts a stylish figure as she explores the Cotswolds on 'fairytale holiday' and visits Estelle Manor - just hours ahead of Eve Jobs' wedding at the ultra-secret mansion
Kourtney Kardashian has been busy exploring The Cotswolds during a family getaway just hours ahead of Eve Jobs' star-studded wedding there. The reality TV star, 46, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a gallery of snaps of herself exploring a sleepy village with her son Rocky, 20 months. Though she hasn't shared the reason for her visit, she is believed to have jetted in for Eve Jobs and Harry Charles' luxury wedding, set to take place on Saturday, July 26. Kourtney even shared a photograph of the ultra-secretive Estelle Manor, where the high-society wedding will take place, as she enjoyed a cup of tea there. In one black and white snap, Kourtney cut a trendy figure in a black striped co-ord set as she carried Rocky, who she shares with drummer Travis Barker, in her arms. She also shared a string of photographs of the countryside landscape as she explored the Cotswolds during her picture-perfect stay. 'Dreamy storybook fairytale enchantment,' she captioned the post. On Saturday, billionaire heiress Eve and Team GB Olympic gold medallist Harry will tie the knot in the Cotswolds. The final preparations for the big day were underway earlier this week as they had a 90-minute rehearsal at their church venue on Thursday. The parents of the bride and groom - Eve's mother Laurene and Harry's parents Peter and Tara – arrived in the picturesque village of Great Tew by private limousine. The rehearsal went off without a hitch, with members of the church choir being congratulated by wedding planner Stanlee Gatti for their 'faultless performance'. The lavish wedding party will then take place at the stunning Estelle Manor country hotel set at Eynsham Hall. Described as 'Oxfordshire's most exclusive hotel', the Grade-II listed landmark house only opened last summer. It has quickly become one of the most sought-after places with celebrities, influencers and sports people scrambling to get there for a night away. No pictures are allowed and guests are asked to place a sticker over their phone cameras upon their arrival. There is a 25-metre heated year-round pool, a poolside bar, as well as sitting rooms that host DJs, restaurants and bars and a Roman-inspired spa. Two padel courts, a large state of the art gym and also 60-acres to explore are all part of a stay at the 1901 house. A Japanese restaurant by ex-Nobu alumnus Sergej Leonenko is in the pipeline as is a grill restaurant set in the kitchen garden's glasshouse. Estelle Manor is owned by hospitality entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha of Ennismore, whose portfolio also includes the Hoxton hotels, private members' club Maison Estelle in London, and Gleneagles in Perthshire. However, unlike Gleneagles, it's been created from scratch under the guidance of Sharan and his wife Eiesha, a successful businesswoman and daughter of Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal. With the house booked out for the weekend and 108 bedrooms on offer, it's thought the happy couple will welcome around 200 guests. No details spared, the mini bars come equipped with silk eye covers, collagen masks, melatonin sprays and ear plugs. Described as a 'Soho House for grownups' a membership is £3,600 per year and a stay in one of the smaller rooms starts from £600 a night. Whereas one of their suites costs something more like £2,500 a night. On site, whole houses are able to be rented out for up to six guests, which start at £14,000 night, with a butler who can be summoned via WhatsApp included. In the Blubell House, there's a boot room, a kitchen and dining room, a library, ensuites and a playroom for children. The hotel was named among the 50 best hotels this year and since opening, plenty of celebrities have been spotted there already. Sophie Turner, Rebel Wilson and Kate Moss are a small handful of A-listers who have enjoyed a break there in recent months.
