With summer now feeling like a distant memory, many Bof us will already be dreaming about our next getaway. But if the thought of busy airports, flight delays and keeping the kids entertained on a plane is enough to cause a headache, an autumn staycation could be just the ticket.
For families looking to enjoy a break without the usual stresses of travelling abroad, a UK getaway can be a much simpler option. There are no passports to remember, airport security queues to navigate or suitcases to squeeze everything into – just pack up the car and hit the road.
One popular option for a family-friendly escape is Parkdean Resorts, which has 65 holiday parks dotted around Britain’s coast and countryside. From seaside escapes to peaceful rural retreats, there are plenty of destinations to choose from, with a host of activities and entertainment to keep little ones busy.
Families with children under five could also make the most of the Tots’ Breaks on offer. Designed with younger guests in mind, these breaks include a range of free activities such as Swim Tots, Messy Play and Milkshake! Mornings, Pip and Posy experiences and even visits from some of their beloved PAW Patrol characters, reports the Daily Star.
Four-night breaks are available from £99, making them an attractive proposition for families seeking an affordable escape. Children also dine free during Tots’ Breaks, with families able to save up to £70 while enjoying breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout their stay.
For households with devoted Nickelodeon enthusiasts, the Nickelodeon Weekender could prove to be an absolute triumph. Young visitors can meet beloved characters including PAW Patrol’s Chase, Marshall and Skye, SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dora the Explorer.
There’s a wealth of additional activities to keep youngsters occupied, from Nick Party Dances and themed games through to arts and crafts, swimming sessions and live entertainment. Essentially, it’s the sort of weekend where children remain thoroughly entertained while parents can hopefully snatch a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
Parkdean Resorts
For those who find an all-inclusive getaway more attractive, Parkdean Resorts offers all-inclusive add-ons at 45 of its parks throughout the UK. These are available on selected four-night stays commencing on a Monday outside of school holidays, so it’s advisable to check the dates prior to booking.
Packages begin from £100 per adult and £40 per child, covering three restaurant meals daily, unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee. Dedicated children’s menus are also provided, allowing parents to enjoy their meals while little ones are well catered for with plenty of familiar favourites.
Of course, there are numerous other UK holiday parks worth considering, including Haven, which boasts more than 30 locations across the country. Its parks extend from the North Yorkshire coast to popular destinations including Blackpool, Kent, Devon and Somerset.
With Halloween fast approaching, Haven is already embracing the eerie season. Its Halloween breaks feature themed activities and entertainment, with four-night October getaways currently starting from £69 – ideal for families seeking an action-packed autumn retreat closer to home.
For those after something more tranquil, Forest Holidays might be worth considering. Boasting 13 woodland sites throughout the UK, from Deerpark in Cornwall to Strathyre in Stirling, it provides a distinctly different type of escape.
Every forest lodge includes its own hot tub and accommodates up to 10 guests, with one to five-bedroom configurations on offer. Whether planning a romantic couples’ retreat or a large family expedition, there are also reductions on selected last-minute September bookings, making it worthwhile for anyone keen to fit in one final break before autumn truly arrives.
Meanwhile, at Parkdean Resorts, one delighted guest wrote in a Trustpilot review: “Great family holiday at Ty Mawr park North Wales. Our location on park was amazing, it was right next to the complex. Great entertainment by all the troupers, especially Tom who made us laugh. Fantastic service and food from the restaurant. Highly recommend this park for a holiday.”
Another visitor remarked: “We went to Vauxhall, the entertainment was great and the staff was lovely. The kids enjoyed the escape room, bouncy castle. The park was great for kids both younger and older. I will definitely be returning! Shout out to Robyn who made the kids experience in activities so much more fun and memorable, such as asset to your team!”
One delighted holidaymaker recounted their visit, stating: “We visited Romney Marsh for a family getaway and thought the park was lovely and clean and very relaxing sitting outside in the sunshine. The entertainment was very professional and we met Ellie and Amy who were great hosts and entertainers and made our stay most enjoyable. Food and drink was really good and prices reasonable. Thank you to the team at Romney – we will be back.”
Nevertheless, some guests believed certain aspects required improvement. One visitor reviewing their time at Brynowen observed: “The beach is stunning as are the views all around the resort. Only thing that let the holiday down was the cost of food and drinks at the clubhouse – considering it’s for families it’s very expensive to buy beverages during the evening entertainment. Otherwise we loved our time there.”
Meanwhile, a visitor to Looe Bay remarked: “Staff at Looe Bay were very friendly and helpful. Silver caravan with decking was great – although toilet very small! Could do with some hooks in bathroom for towels. Swimming pool good but didn’t like that you couldn’t go any time, you had to go at certain session times.”
Elsewhere, another thoroughly satisfied guest shared their thoughts following a stay at the Todber Valley site: “Absolute attention to detail in every aspect. Incredible team of staff members. Caravan was beautiful and the views from the terrace were amazing. I watched the sunset surrounded by nature. Did the Todber walk with my dog multiple times. I’ve booked back for April. Excellent for SEN parents/carers.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
