I stayed at the English seaside caravan park with private lido, Vegas-like cabanas and cosy pub
My family and I had just spent a long weekend at the
Advertisement
5
Selsey is a coastal gem and perfect for the whole family
Credit: Supplied
5
Some of the lodges at Seal Bay are just steps from the shore
Credit: Supplied
We were staying in Green Lawns, the most rural of the site's four themed sections, which lives up to its name with a pond and trees that my sons were constantly scaling.
Our classic lodge was filled with mod cons, including a deep bath, huge shower, washing machine, dishwasher and classy electric fire.
For nearby food, this zone is also home to the giant Viking Bar which, despite looking like an imposing cowboy saloon from outside, is like a warm and welcoming local pub.
A little farther away, the burgers, beers and ice creams at Cafe Lido are of bafflingly good quality — yet the 'double burger' is just £9.99 and the classic hotdog not even a fiver.
Advertisement
Read More on Travel
We have holidayed on caravan sites for almost 40 years and having affordable restaurants and action-packed activites within walking distance of your home is a huge perk.
But only now, after all those years, do I recognise how vital holiday parks might be for little ones with special educational needs, or even younger kids who tire more easily.
When long flights, unfamiliar surroundings or sensory overloads might be too much for someone, places like Seal Bay are so important.
You can choose to have the most secluded and private break or throw yourself into eight hours of non-stop activities and entertainment.
Advertisement
Most read in Beach holidays
Competition
A short stroll from our lodge was the White Horse area, offering lots of sporting action.
Then there's the Dockyard, which has a stunning lido, with a splash area and swimming pools surrounded by bright-orange cabanas that wouldn't look amiss in Vegas — these come at an extra charge.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
Indoors there is a nine-hole crazy- golf course, state-of-the-art climbing wall and a death-defying bounce- playground above your heads.
And around the corner is the vast and lush sports field where the Seal Bay Soccer Academy is run by brilliant staff with grade-A equipment — Mitre balls, goals, bibs, cones, hurdles and slalom poles.
Advertisement
We had a family match against new friends Taylor, Sarah, Mick and Archie, who made the hour fly by.
The largest zone in the holiday complex is West Sands, which sits right on the beach. It even has a wave simulator, Wave Rider, open May to September.
We had blistering weather so spent as much time as possible on the beach or in the ocean, but the indoor Oasis Bay pool is ideal for wetter weather.
We ventured down to this area on Saturday and found a giant TV screen, on the beach rocks, showing the FA Cup Final.
Advertisement
5
Surf's up at the wave simulator at the resort
Credit: Supplied
5
Have fun ten-pin bowling
Credit: Supplied
My boys split their time between watching
Then we headed for a BBQ dinner at Smokey's Ocean Bar.
Advertisement
There, the lads demolished the Pitmaster's Feast of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, buffalo wings, sausage, chilli and sides and somehow had room for ice-cream sundaes.
A family of three were stuffed for just over £50.
We used our stroll back to base camp to walk off the meat sweats but there is a courtesy bus — that loops around the park, stopping at all the key areas — plus electric bikes and pedal go-karts to hire.
On Sunday we finished off with the brilliant Zorbing experience — you strap your child into a giant bubble and let them play crash-test dummies — then another swim and an archery session, before my kids slept the whole way home.
Advertisement
And I would love to tell you we partied all weekend into the early hours but we were shattered and asleep by 8pm every day, dreaming of the next day's adventure.
5
There's entertainment galore on site
Credit: Supplied
GO: SELSEY
STAYING THERE:
A three-night weekend stay in two bed classic holiday caravan sleeping up to six is from £419 in total, arriving June 27.
See
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried the unusual ‘midnight race' where the sun never sets – along with insane whale-watching and thermal baths
THE sun beams down on me as I run along the path. It's a beautiful running track, a little stream gurgles to my left, purple flowers and gorgeous greenery standing out against the bright blue sky as I sweat it out along with 2,500 other Advertisement 3 The night run trail Credit: Supplied 3 On a whale-watching trip Credit: Supplied I look down at my watch to check my pace and notice the time – 10.30pm. Hang on. My bedtime is 10pm, what am I doing? I should explain. I'm in As a keen runner, I signed up to the Suzuki Midnight run to take on the Advertisement Read More on Travel I meet a self-described 'little old lady' from Canada who wanted to explore I've elected to do the 10km but you can sign up to the 5km or even push yourself to complete the 21km. And while I'm normally a morning runner, there's something fun about taking on this midnight challenge. As the race gun goes off, I soak up the sunshine and the gorgeous views. Advertisement Most read in City breaks Afterwards, I'm met with an electrolyte drink and medal, and I'm swept up in the crowd of locals heading straight to the thermal pools to soak their tired muscles. Iceland also has plenty of other activities for any non-runners, thanks to its jaw-dropping nature. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival The afternoon before the race, I spent two hours whale watching, spotting humpbacks and minkes. Gearing up in a thick red suit and strapping on a life vest, I jump onto the RIB. Soon, we're heading out on to the open Atlantic. Advertisement Suddenly, our boat veers to the left – our skipper has spotted something. The boat's engine is cut and the air is still with anticipation. 'Fwissshhhhhh'. Everyone jumps at the sound and turns to the right – there a massive humpback whale has breached out of the water, rolling its body along the surface. Advertisement 3 The Sun's Brittany Vonow with her medal Credit: Supplied It circles the boat, breaking the surface of the water several times until, with a final flick of its tail, it disappears into the depths. We spend two hours out on the water, spotting half a dozen humpbacks and even an elusive minke on the trip. We are also delighted to spot hundreds of puffins flying around a small island off the coast of Iceland's capital. Advertisement It's a world away from the UK, despite being just a three-hour flight from London with Play Airlines. Later that night, as I finally drift off to sleep in my hotel room, the sky outside is still bright. My muscles might be a little sore, and my internal clock utterly confused, but it was definitely an adventure worth staying up past my bedtime. GO: ICELAND GETTING THERE: Play Airlines flies to Reykjavik from Stansted and Liverpool with return fares from £99. See STAYING THERE: Hotel Reykjavik Grand has doubles from £286 per night, including breakfast. See RUNNING THERE: Sign up to the Reykjavík Marathon – August 2025 at Or sign up for next year's Suzuki Midnight Sun Run at
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I went to Vegas-like holiday resort in Europe with glamorous concierges, adventure parks & island's biggest pool complex
SLOT machines flash and jingle as I soak up the atmosphere at the City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus. This vast five-star resort features a super-casino, restaurants, bars entertainment and 500 hotel rooms — and is the first of its kind in Europe allowing guests to roll the dice after a dip in one of its many pools. Advertisement 3 Test your surfing skills on the resort's Waverider Credit: Supplied 3 This vast five-star resort features a super-casino, restaurants, bars entertainment and 500 hotel rooms Credit: Supplied Insiders tell me it's just the start of ambitions to transform the area into a hybrid of Miami and Vegas within the next five years. If my two nights at the resort, near Limassol, were any indication, they are well on their way. Stepping inside, I was struck by the obvious luxury — guests are welcomed into a grand marble lobby lined with designer shops. Within seconds a glamorous concierge appears with a hot towel for your hands as a bellboy collects your bags. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL GUIDES Moments later I was window shopping on my way to my suite, spotting Burberry, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana collections. Decorated in pine tones, my room felt like my very own Nordic spa with a massive tub, separate shower room, and a huge bed with pillows I melted into. The showstopper was the view from the balcony looking across the resort — the largest pool complex in Cyprus and a mecca for families and big kids like me. As well as the sparkling multiple pools surrounded by palm trees for shade, water slides and rapids there's a dedicated adventure park that will keep even the fussiest child happy. Advertisement Most read in News Travel It features an 18-hole miniature golf course, zip-line coaster, climbing wall, high ropes obstacle courses and a huge playground. The resort's Kids' City is open every day from 10am to 8pm with supervised activities for four to 12-year-olds and by night there are movie and theatre evenings with free popcorn. All the free activities Cyprus has to offer For those seeking a different type of thrill there is of course the casino. While Mum and Dad enjoy a flutter, a gaming room offers snooker and retro arcade favourites like Pac-Man and table hockey. Large sofas face wall-mounted TVs with gaming consoles on hand to keep the teenagers busy. A short drive away from the hotel are sandy beaches and the vibrant city of Limassol with its regenerated marina and lavish yachts bobbing in the waters. Advertisement Arming myself with a coffee from Paul bakery, I walked along a boulevard of chic cafes and restaurants you would see on any posh British high street — Jamie Oliver's, a Wagamama, and multiple Greek tavernas. From there it's an easy stroll into the old town along cobbled streets that lead to Kolossi Castle. In the Middle Ages, Cyprus was a target for Crusader campaigns to the Holy Land, and this 15th-century fortress is filled with treasures from the time. Exhibits of ancient pottery, oil lamps and coins from Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman eras are on display in the great hall. I found myself marvelling at tombstones bearing intricate carvings of Crusader knights and ancient symbols. Advertisement In the belly of the castle is an even older underground chapel which is dark, windowless and quiet. It was here that King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) married Berengaria of Navarre. I felt time stop for a moment, and could picture the bride and groom standing next to the very stones of the ancient altar in this peaceful underground grotto. Stunning frescoes Amazingly you can taste the oldest wine in the world that was served at King Richard's wedding, called Commandaria, on a visit to the village of Agios Konstantinos. The excursion can be arranged at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel's front desk. Another must-do trip is to the charming village of Omodos, in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. Advertisement Renowned for its traditional stone houses, Omodos is a picturesque spot and at its centre lies Timios Stavros Monastery, which dates back to the early 1800s. The preserved Byzantine church is filled with wood carvings and stunning frescoes. After a day spent exploring Cyprus's history, or enjoying the adrenalin rush of the casino, the City of Dreams Mediterranean's cave-like spa is the perfect spot to rest weary feet. This was my favourite place and I could feel my muscles immediately relax in the sauna, before booking myself in for a massage. Advertisement With entertainment and relaxation options nailed down at the hotel, I couldn't wait for dinner at one of the four restaurants. As well as a buffet, there are three speciality restaurants serving French, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. 3 Try your luck on the resort's banks of slot machines Credit: Supplied The Amber Dragon, sibling of a two-star Michelin venue in Macau, serves up sushi and sashimi, dim sum and stir-fried classics as well as the best BBQ roasted duck I'd ever tasted. A chef prepared shreds of the mouthwatering bird in front of us as little baskets of pancakes and dishes of greens were laid out — I was in food heaven. Advertisement Next up were the divine Shanghai dumplings that melted into a little soup, while dessert was a golden dumpling treat that resembled an ice-cream Scotch egg. Afterwards I headed to the casino's roulette table. I was hoping it was my lucky night! GO: CYPRUS GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights' B&B at the 5H City of Dreams Mediterranean is from £1,576pp including flights from Stansted, or £1,613pp with flights from Manchester as well as 22kg baggage, 10kg hand luggage and private transfers. See MORE INFO: For details on the hotel, see
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe's best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167
THEY'RE weekend wonders – four-hour flight breaks to Europe's most exciting destinations. A cheeky two-night getaway won't break the bank and it provides a perfect escape without chipping into your holiday allowance. 3 Shop 'til you drop in pretty Paris Credit: Getty Lisa Minot presents her pick of 48-hour getaways for this summer – whether you want to explore a city or just recharge on a beach. CITY Paris from £167pp August is a great time to visit the French capital as its residents head away for their annual summer breaks and the crowds are fewer. The H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel Resort offers great value as it's in the suburb of Saint-Denis with excellent train links to the city and an ideal quieter retreat after pounding the busy streets of central Paris. Room-only, with flights from Southampton on August 1. Read More on Travel See Milan from £189pp There's a lovely courtyard at the 4H Devero Hotel & Spa with a large pool and restaurant terrace — perfect for a little dip after discovering the delights of this chic Italian city. Set between Milan and Bergamo, you could even head to the delights of Hotel is B&B. Flights from Liverpool on August 22. Most read in Beach holidays See Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival Prague from £245pp The Chevron Design Hotel is perfect for a quick getaway, just a short walk from The area is known for its bustling restaurants and cafes, and a tram ride away you can visit the castle and historic Lesser Town. Room-only, with flights from Luton on August 1. Find out more and book at Krakow from £283pp The Belle Epoque Residence offers stylish studios and apartments close to Just ten minutes' walk brings you to the Main Market Square, a medieval treasure and one of the biggest in Europe, while the lush greenery of Planty Park which encircles the Old Town is also a stone's throw away. Room only. Flights from Heathrow on July 18, hand luggage only. Details from Budapest from £289pp Enjoy the beauty of the city from the water with The Grand Jules Boat Hotel, moored on the Danube River on the Buda side near Margaret Bridge. You'll have easy access to attractions both sides of the river and are within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Hotel is B&B. Flights from Birmingham on August 15 with hand luggage only. See Athens from £435pp Cool off after This contemporary, chic 4H hotel is right in the centre of the action on Omonoia Square, and is close to the metro. Major archaeological sites are within easy reach. Hotel is B&B. Flights from Gatwick on August 8. See 3 Check out the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, Athens Credit: Getty BEACH Alicante from £275pp Live the high life in exciting For extra pampering, the hotel's spa has a sauna and jacuzzi in a peaceful setting. Postiguet Beach and the Old Town are a bus ride away. Stay room-only, fly from Leeds Bradford on July 25. See Magaluf from £279pp Relax on Bali beds or comfy cabanas at the great-value 3H Inn Mallorca Aparthotel with its beach-club style pool. Rooms are modern and have air con as well as a kitchenette, balcony or terrace. In the heart of Stay self-catering with flights from East Midlands, August 15. See Barcelona from £357pp Combine the best of both worlds with a stay where you can take in city sights and still enjoy the beach life. The 3H Oriente Atiram Hotel is right on the famous Las Ramblas street near the Gothic Quarter. The former 19th century monastery offers modern, simple rooms in the heart of the action, just 200 metres from the nearest Metro station. Stay B&B with flights from Manchseter on July 25. See 3 Find a tranquil spot on the beach in the Algarve Credit: Getty Algarve from £359pp Savour fabulous views across Faro and the Ria Normosa Natural Park from the contemporary rooftop pool of the 4H AP Eva Senses hotel. Perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed city break, the hotel is close to bars and restaurants and has a lovely outdoor freshwater pool. Stay B&B with flights from East Midlands on August 8. See Benidorm from £389pp The 3H Hotel Servigroup Pueblo is ideal for 48 hours of fun in the sun, with great entertainment and the golden sands of Levante beach on your doorstep. Benidorm's pretty Old Town is within walking distance and there's both indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy. Enjoy B&B with flights from Leeds Bradford on July 25, 22kg luggage and transfers. See Ibiza from £389pp Go beyond the clubs with a chilled stay at the 4H Invisa Hotel La Cala in the pretty town of Santa Eulalia. Known as the gastronomic capital of Ibiza, there's good food guaranteed on Restaurant Street with relaxed, al-fresco dining. The hotel is close to the beach and has a laid-back atmosphere. Stay B&B with flights from Birmingham on July 25. See
