Savvy travel agents are looking to holidays in the UK and Ireland as the downturn worsens. Linsey McNeill shares some ideas
With holiday budgets tight, many British families are expected to forego trips abroad in favour of economical domestic breaks over the next few years.
Here are some of our suggestions for autumn, spring and summer holidays, including some old-time family favourites and some relatively undiscovered destinations right on our doorstep.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Perfect for: Wildlife
Why? There’s a fantastic underwater world to explore right here in the UK. Great Yarmouth’s Sea Life Centre is one of the biggest in the country, and its main draw is a tropical shark display where you’ll find Britain’s biggest shark, Nobby.
Other attractions include more than 50 native species ranging from shrimps to starfish to conger eels. This seaside town also boasts 15 miles of sandy beaches, a funfair, a model village and lots of seaside activities.
Sample package:Superbreak has one-night packages at the three-star Burlington Palm Court Hotel in Great Yarmouth, including a family day pass to the Sea Life Centre plus drinks all round for £160 for four and breakfast for the adults. Superbreak also features 10 other Sea Life Centres and four aquariums across the UK, all with child prices.
Perthshire, Scotland
Perfect for: Outdoor activities and adrenaline sports
Why? With rolling countryside in the south and the lofty highlands in the north, this area is considered one of the premier adventure playgrounds of Europe, with enough high-octane activities to keep even the most restless youngsters entertained.
Following the launch by VisitScotland of a free, countrywide VisitScotland Adventure Pass, families can make big savings on many activities in the region up to May 31 2009. A tourist board spokeswoman said a group of four could save £185 on a weekend in Perthshire if they tried their hand at white-water rafting, sphereing and four-wheel-drive off-road driving.
Sample package:English Country Cottages has a selection of self-catering properties in Perthshire, including Easter Dunfallandy Cottage in Pitlochry, which sleeps six in three bedrooms from £351 for seven nights.
Butlins, Minehead, Somerset
Perfect for: Partying
Why? The holiday parks operator has spent more then £10 million upgrading its facilities this year, including a complete makeover of Centre Stage, its main entertainment venue at Minehead. The venue is now fitted with plasma screens, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a new bar and relaxation area.
Acts appearing at Butlins next month include The X Factor star Shayne Ward and the Sugababes, supported by new boyband Avenue. There’s lots of daytime entertainment, including a funfair, Splash Waterworld and a new 200ft zip-wire.
Sample package: A three-night break costs from £119 per person including concert tickets.
West Ireland
Perfect for: A sustainable holiday
Why? With so many outdoor activities from surfing to horse riding, mountain biking to kayaking, there’s no shortage of stuff to keep the kids entertained here.
Following the launch of new marketing initiative Greenbox, which highlights eco-friendly attractions, activities and accommodation, you can be sure you aren’t adding to your family’s carbon footprint. The Greenbox area stretches from County Fermanagh, through Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal and North West Monaghan.
Sample package:Ard Nahoo is a family-friendly health farm turned eco-resort with two carbon-neutral cabins to hire, each sleeping up to seven guests, perfect for large families or family groups. They cost from €300 for a two or three-night break. Direct eco-conscious clients towards travel by ferry from Holyhead to Dublin with Irish Ferries and Stena Line, which costs from £75 one way.
Hoseasons holiday parks, nationwide
Perfect for: A budget break
Why? If you hurry, you’ll get £100 off your holiday at 20% of Hoseasons parks during July and August 2009 – but bookings must be confirmed before the end of October.
The new 2009 brochure includes 47 new lodges and holiday parks in destinations including the Southern Highlands, Northumberland, Yorkshire and Wales. The operator has also expanded its choice of short breaks to enable families to take advantage of good weather at short notice.
Sample product: A week in a holiday park during the school summer holidays costs from £280 for a family of four.
