IT’S getting closer to festive family time so how about escaping on an adults-only break.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, there are budget getaways to suit everyone – from soaking up the sun to walking or biking in the hills, shopping at a Christmas market or relaxing in a spa.
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Trisha Harbord selects ten bargains breaks at home and abroad . . .
Weekend parties
LET your hair down on a Butlin’s Big Weekend for couples and friends.
There are no taxis to take home after a night at one the three resorts of Skegness Lincs Minehead Somerset Bognor Regis.
Headliners at concerts include DJ Fatboy Slim, the bands Five, Atomic Kitten, Scouting For Girls and Chesney Hawkes.
Big Weekenders offer accommodation for all budgets as well as access to pools parties, silent discos, comedy nights, and many other amenities.
You can also zoom down the Splash pool flumes, visit the fairground, or go-karting.
GO: Three-nights’ self-catering, including at Minehead from December 2, is from £65pp.
Include breakfast for £8.95 or breakfast and dinner for £29.95 per day. See bigweekends.com.
Put your saddle on
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Take a self-guided tour of the Welsh hills on your mountainbike
MTB Trail Thrillogy has routes through northern Carmarthenshire. There are fast runs, forest roads, cross-country trails, and even a few steep ones. Along the way, you’ll find pubs and cafes.
Crychan Forest is near Llandovery, and a two-day break begins. After a 12-mile circuit, you can ride another eight miles – and that’s just the morning.
Head to Cwm Rhaeadr for a rock ’n roll ride, promising spectacular views.
You will reach the Gorlech valley on your next day. Finally, tackle the Raven – an 11-mile track in the Brechfa Forest. Enjoy a Raven Burger and a pint at Forest Arms to celebrate.
GO: See discovercarmarthenshire.com. B&B for two at the Castle Hotel, Llandovery, is from £60 a night. More information is available at www.B&B for Two, Castle Hotel, Llandovery. castle-hotel-llandovery.co.uk.
By coach to City
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Take a coach tour to see a top attraction in Belfast.
The £97million Titanic Belfast Experience has nine interactive galleries telling the story of the doomed ship from its construction to its tragic end.
The three-night tour includes entry and also includes Stormont Castle, Peace Wall, and murals along Shankhill and Falls roads.
There’s an optional excursion to the Antrim coast, home to the Giant’s Causeway – 40,000 basalt columns on the sea shore.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the four-star Holiday Inn, including flights from Manchester on November 27 and coach travel, costs from £345pp (saving £114).
Other departure airports available. See newmarketholidays.co.uk.
Ski lift off
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SKI in Andorra to enjoy a ski holiday at a reasonable price
Grandvalira is located in the heart the Pyrenean Mountains and has 130 miles worth of pistes, three ski parks, and freestyle lessons.
There are ski circuits for both novice and advanced skiers. You can also enjoy fun activities like snowshoe excursions or snowmobile rides.
The newly renovated Hotel Austria is half a mile away and there’s a bus to the ski area.
Pas de la Casa is a great place to shop for Shopaholics. Every street is filled with local restaurants and tax-free shops.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the three-star hotel is from £272pp. See pierreetvacances.com.
Flights from Gatwick to Toulouse are from £53 return. See easyjet.com.
Car hire is from £52 a week. See travelsupermarket.com.
Festival market
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Combining a stay in a cozy cottage with stunning countryside and a trip to a sparkling Christmas market is a great combination.
Exeter Cathedral market, which has more than 100 vendors, attracts 600,000. The chalets are packed full of gifts, including jewellery and homeware.
There’s no shortage of festive food and drink – including vodka made with Dartmoor spring water, hot cocktails and craft beer.
After dropping by the local Lamb Inn, head back to Sandford and light your woodburner.
You can also find the Jurassic Coast, Exmoor and Dartmoor national parcs.
GO: Three nights’ self-catering at 2 Gosses Cottage, for two people and up to two dogs, from November 25 or December 2, costs £316. See holidaycottages.co.uk.
Beach bonanza
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Enjoy the sun and warmth of winter at a Tunisian hotel on the beach. Temperatures are in the 70s.
The 4-star all-inclusive hotel Occidental Marcopol Hotel is ideal for relaxation. It features heated pools, a spa, and a sauna.
There’s a range of sporting activities including football, table tennis and volleyball.
The town of Hammamet has a mix of old and new – traditional architecture including the 15th-century Great Mosque, cobbled streets and a buzzing nightlife with shisha bars, restaurants and clubs.
You can find local products at very affordable prices in the bazaars. Boat cruises are available as well as guided tours.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive, including flights from Gatwick on December 10, is from £305 per person. See easyjet.com/holidays. Visit the tours page. experiences.easyjet.com.
Mountain walks
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IF your boots are made for walking, there’s no better place than the Lake District.
The Yan at Broadrayne, a wonderful hotel for a restful night after a hard day’s trekking, is also a good choice.
It’s also known for wholesome food, including shepherd’s pie and sticky-toffee pudding.
It is possible to climb Helvellyn or Helm Crag from the door.
William Wordsworth called Grasmere “Grasmere”. “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”You can find a lot of boutiques and coffee shops in the area.
There, you can visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and museum.
GO: One night’s B&B in afor two people this month and December, including a three-course dinner, in a glamping pod, costs from £125pp. Or in a chic bedroom it is from £140pp. See theyan.co.uk.
Attractions at the theme park
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BUCKLE UP, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is extending its season through the end November.
The theme park is open today and for the next two weekends so thrillseekers can ride Icon, the UK’s first double-launch rollercoaster – and The Big One, the tallest.
Nickelodeon Land is also open, as well as the Ghost Train. Attractions such Adventure Golf that have a Christmas theme are open up until 26 December.
Blackpool’s famous illuminations, a six-mile display along the promenade, have also been extended until January 2. There’s no time wasted hitting the rides if you stay nextdoor at the 4-star Big Blue Hotel.
GO: Park ticket costs from £30. See blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.
Double room at the Big Blue Hotel, on November 20, is from £80. See bigbluehotel.com.
Spa splashing
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A relaxing day at the spa is a great way to unwind before Christmas shopping.
Take a loved one or friend for a Bubbles & Bliss break at the award-winning Stoke-by-Nayland resort, near Colchester. It includes B&B, a day using the spa facilities, a reserved lounger, treatment, towels, flip-flops and a bottle of bubbly for your room.
Peake Spa offers a sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and pool as well as a variety of treatments, such its signature mud therapy.
This 4-star resort is home to two championship golf holes and has a gym and several restaurants. Enjoy afternoon tea while overlooking Constable country, from £19.95.
GO: Spa break including B&B in late November/early December is from £115pp, based on two sharing. For details see stokebynayland.com.
Luxurious island living
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Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift by flying off to the Canary Islands for a little luxury.
Lanzarote has temperatures of 75F in December, with at least six hours’ sunshine to top up your tan.
The 4-star Seaside Los Jameos offers stunning lagoons and pools, a tropical garden, and balconies in its lobby.
Half-board is a great option, as the food is prepared from local ingredients and the buffets can be extravagant.
You can burn calories at the gym or relax in the spa.
Play golf on the nearby courses or go trekking to explore the island’s unique volcanic landscape.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B, including flights from Stansted on December 10, costs from £615 per person, half-board from £672. See Jet2holidays.com.