Last-minute UK half term holidays from £43 a night

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Autumn has arrived and while it might seem like summer was just five minutes ago, it’s already time for the October half-term. Kicking off on October 23, 2023, many Britons may bypass an overseas holiday in favour of something a little closer to home this half term. While it’s often recommended that you book far in advance to get the best deals on a holiday, there are plenty of last-minute deals boasting lucrative savings.

Though school holidays tend to be some of the busiest times of year for a holiday, both in the UK and abroad, big-name parks including Center Parcs, Haven and Parkdean all have space left – with some purse-friendly savings to go along with them. Or, if you prefer renting a cosy cottage or home-away-from-home for the whole family, the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk also have you covered.

But, as is always the case with a last-minute deal, these savvy savings won’t be around for long and the best offers are usually snapped up the quickest. So, if you do see something that catches your eye, it’s best to grab the deal as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a holiday a little further afield, the good news is many budget airlines are offering autumnal savings too. You can read our guide to the best Jet2 deals right now or the latest easyJet deals. Alternatively, British Airways has a few destinations on sale throughout the year, and TUI is offering savings on both flights and package holidays.

Scroll down for some of the best deals on offer at UK holiday parks this October, or click on the links to jump to the relevant section.

Best Haven holiday deals

Haven offers UK holidays in or within a stone’s throw of seaside destinations across England, Scotland and Wales. Many of its parks offer an array of self-catering holidays, space for touring caravans and camper vans and holiday home ownership options.

And there’s more to the stay than just cosy accommodation, with many sites offering access to swimming pools and even waterparks at select locations.

There are also restaurants and takeaway options on most sites, access to entertainment and arcades and activities for the whole family to enjoy. At the moment, Haven has a selection of holidays on offer for the autumn months – but the best deals are likely to go fast.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Haven to find some of our top picks right now:

• Two nights for up to six guests at Reighton Sands, Yorkshire – £104 for a Haven Hideaway stay
  (including accommodation, arcades and restaurant access) Saturday, October 21, to Monday, October 23, 2023
  

• Three nights for up to four guests at Quay West, South Wales – £167 for a Haven Holiday
  (including access to swimming, free and paid activities) Friday, October 27 to Monday, October 30, 2023
  

• Three nights for up to four guests at Hopton, Norfolk – £169 for a Haven Hideaway stay
  (including access to swimming, free and paid activities) Friday, October 27 to Monday, October 30, 2023

• Two nights in a Caravan saver at Seaview, Dorset – £147 for a Haven Holiday
  (including access to swimming, free and paid activities) Saturday, October 21 to Monday, October 23, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes Holiday Cottages has a number of holiday cottages available for short-term let across the country, from cosy cottages for two to larger properties sleeping 20 or more.

And if you want a little extra, Sykes also offers cottages with hot tubs or even swimming pools.

As you might imagine, peak seasons are among their most popular for bookings, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t last-minute deals to be enjoyed for stays in the coming weeks.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Sykes Holiday Cottages to find some of our top picks right now:

• Three nights at The Old Rectory Coach House in Ashby St Mary near Rockland St Mary, Norfolk – from £576
  Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 6, 2023

• Four nights at Evening Star at the Engine Shed in Whitby, North York Moors and Coast – from £661
  Monday, October 23, 2023, to Friday, October 27, 2023

• Five nights at Mavisbank in Old Deer near Mintlaw, Moray, Aberdeenshire & The Coastal Trail – from £859
  Monday, October 23, 2023, to Saturday, October 28, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Best Away Resorts holiday deals

Away Resorts has more than 20 holiday parks across the UK, offering a variety of accommodations including lodges, caravans and holiday homes – plus the option of holiday home ownership.

Each holiday park location sits with an area of natural beauty or is within easy reach of national parks, beaches and other places of interest.

As well as a variety of different accommodation types, sites also offer their own amenities, such as hot tubs, bookable activities, entertainment and restaurants – though these vary based on location.

As the October half term is already upon us, most properties have already been snapped up, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any last-minute October and November holidays available.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest last-minute deals on offer from Away Resorts to find some of the best right now:

• Three nights for two guests in a Value Chalet at St Ives Bay, Cornwall – from £255
  Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 6, 2023
• Four nights for up to four guests in a barn lodge at Retallack Resort, Cornwall – from £468
  Monday, October 30 to Friday, November 3, 2023

• Four nights for two guests in a Comfort Apartment at The Bay Filey, Yorkshire – from £283
  Monday, October 30 to Friday, November 3, 2023

• Three nights for up to four guests in an Accessible Superior Caravan in The Lakes Rookley, Isle of Wight – from £220
  Friday, October 27 to Monday, November 30, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Best Parkdean holiday deals

Parkdean Resorts is the “UK’s largest holiday park operator”, according to their spokesperson, with over 66 parks across the country in both rural and coastal locations.

Guests can choose from touring and camping options, as well as caravan and lodge stays, glamping, cottage and chalet stays, and even luxurious hot tub holidays.

Plus at select parks, guests can enjoy the use of swimming pools, kids’ clubs and family entertainment.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Parkdean to find some of our top picks right now:

• Three nights in a safari tent for up to four guests at Nodes Point Holiday Park, Isle of Wight – from £129
  Tuesday, October 24 to Friday, October 27, 2023

• Four nights in an Ennerdale static caravan at White Cross Bay Holiday Park, Lake District – from £489
  Monday, October 23 to Friday, October 27, 2023
• Three nights in a Marske static caravan at Withernsea Sands Holiday Park in Yorkshire – from £169
  Fridays October 27 to Monday, October 30, 2023
• Four nights in a Marlin static caravan at West Bay Holiday Park in Dorset – from £359
  Monday, October 23  to Friday, October 27, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Best Center Parcs holiday deals

Center Parcs is perhaps one of the most popular holiday parks in the UK, with six locations across the country. However, this popularity also often means soaring prices, especially during school holidays.

For the most part, Center Parcs is sold out for half term – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still deals to be had in the coming weeks. There are plenty of holidays on offer across its six UK sites spanning the end of October and well into November, though the selection is notably more expensive than its competitors

As well as a selection of apartments and lodges, Center Parcs also gives guests access to swimming pools, indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family and on-site restaurants.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Center Parcs to find some of our top picks right now:

• Three nights in a three-bedroom new style Executive lodge at Whinfell Forest, Cumbria – from £1,099
  Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 6, 2023

• Three nights in a two bedroom new style Woodland Lodge at Eleven Forest, Suffolk– from £729
  Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 6, 2023
• Three nights in a two bedroom new style Executive Lodge in Sherwood Forest – from £749
  Friday, November 10  to Monday, November 13, 2023

Best HolidayCottages deals

If you’re after a holiday with all of the comforts of home, HolidayCottages.co.uk offers an array of rental properties across the UK, from countryside escapes to seaside retreats. The company also offers a number of holidays in areas of natural beauty.

Though rentals are popular, especially during school holidays, HolidayCottages.co.uk does have some last-minute deals available for the coming weeks. Even if you can’t find a deal for the October half term, there are a number of holidays available in the coming weeks.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from HolidayCottages.co.uk to find some of our top picks:

• Seven nights at Jingles cottage in St Breward, Mid Cornwall – from £540
  Saturday, October 28 to Saturday, November 4, 2023

• Seven nights in at Cherry Tree Lodge in Wickham Market, Suffolk – from £503
  Saturday, October 28 to Saturday, November 4, 2023

• Seven nights at The Cottage at Manor Farm in Wantage, Berkshire – from £620
  Friday, October 27 to Friday, November 3, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Shorefield Holidays

horefield Holidays has seven holiday parks within close proximity of breaking beaches, ancient forests or rolling countryside in the UK.

Its locations include Shorefield Country Park in Hampshire, Oakdene Forest Park in Dorset, Forest Edge in Dorset, Swanage Coastal Park in Dorset, Merely Court Holiday Park in Dorset, Wilksworth Caravan Park in Dorset, and Lytton Lawn Touring Park in Hampshire.

And, there really is a stay to suit everyone across this range of parks, including space for touring and camping right through to quirky treehouse stays.

By day, there is plenty to be getting on with, between countryside walks and splashing about on the beach, and by night Shorefield’s holiday parks offer nightly family entertainment and cabarets.

Some parks offer an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, Shorefield Country Park boasts a relaxing spa, Oakdene Forest Park has a range of Go Active activities for adventure seekers, and there is also a selection of children’s activities for the little ones at all parks.

Right now, Shorefield Holidays is offering 40 percent off all remaining holidays throughout the rest of 2023 – making it a great time to snap up a bargain.   The sale includes all self-catering, camping, clamping and touring holidays. Flexible payment options are available. 

As you might imagine, the October half-term is a busy time and the majority of holiday accommodations have been booked up. However, there are still some rentals available in October and November.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Shorefield Holidays to find some of our top picks:

• Four nights in a Supreme Caravan at Swanage Coastal Park – from £249.50
  Monday, November 6 to Friday, November 10, 2023

• Four nights in a Supreme Caravan at Shorefield Country Park – from £680
  Monday, October 20 to Friday, November 3, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

Best Pontins holiday deals

Since its birth in 1946, Pontins has become a UK summer tradition for many generations of families, but the holiday provider is open throughout the year. The family holiday provider has parks at five coastal locations across the nation, including Southport, Prestatyn, Pakefield, Camber Sands, Sand Bay and Brean Sands.

Accommodation includes apartments and Bungalows, completely kitted out for a self-catering holiday. However, most sites do have a fast food outlet or restaurant on-site, as well as a shop for last-minute essentials.

Express.co.uk has independently searched the latest deals on offer from Pontins to find some of our top picks:

• Two nights in a one-bedroom self-catered apartment at Prestatyn Sands – from £99
  Monday, October 23 to Wednesday, October 25, 2023
• Four nights in a one-bedroom self-catered apartment at Prestatyn Sands – from £119
  Monday, October 23 to Friday, October 27, 2023
• Three nights in a one-bedroom self-catered apartment at Southport – from £119
  Friday, October 27  to Monday 30, 2023

All holidays are accurate at the time of writing (October 2023) but are subject to availability.

READ NEXT:

• Best British Airways deals
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• Best last-minute holiday deals for 2023
• Where is hot in October? Best short-haul deals
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