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Last-minute Easter family holidays that won't break the bank

Mallorcan sun: head to the Balearics for Easter (it's not too late) - This content is subject to copyright.
Mallorcan sun: head to the Balearics for Easter (it's not too late) - This content is subject to copyright.

Easter is one of the best times for a family holiday. The break from school is long, we’re all starved for sun and action after a long winter, and prices are lower than in the peak summer season.

If you’re currently in a panic over how to entertain the children next week, consider one of these short and long-haul options for family fun.

1. Playing soldiers in London

London is one of the world’s most expensive cities - but there are plenty of ways to cut costs.

Over Easter, take your children to see the changing of the guard, followed by visit to the newly renovated National Army Museum, so children will understand what soldiers actually do.

For young children, there’s a new soft-play area, with toddler-sized assault courses and a tank to “drive”.

For older children, there are uniforms to try on, rifles to fire (can you reload and shoot 10 times in under a minute?).

And for grown-ups, do not miss the haunting gallery of war paintings. For more ideas of what to do, see this London with children guide.

For accommodation on a budget, your best bet is an Airbnb or one of the well-located Premier Inns. You might also try the central Citadines Aparthotels (rooms from £162 per night). The one in Holborn offers easy access to the best of London and, as they are self-catering, you can save a bundle on food.

2. Glamping by the sea

While a tent might not seem the ideal place to be during one of those Easters dominated by rain and gales, its very compactness can make it better than many a drafty holiday cottage: turn on the central heating and you’re warm in two minutes, not two hours.

Ladram Bay is the perfect jumping-off-point for exploring the Jurassic Coast. Glamping pods accommodating up to four people cost from £200 for a four-night stay Easter week (ladrambay.co.uk).

Easter is a fun time to explore the Jurassic Coast - Credit: ALAMY
Easter is a fun time to explore the Jurassic Coast Credit: ALAMY

3.  Little cabin in the woods

Stay at the Lee Valley Campsite, a wildlife haven filled with traffic-free trails through the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park. Children will enjoy cycling, canoeing, kayaking - and the more adventurous can also enjoy paddling at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, built for London 2012. Dogs are also welcome.

Pitchup.com has heated woodland cabins, which sleep up to four people in bunk beds, from £2,605 for four nights, based on two adults and two children sharing from the April 15-19.

4. Cheap-ish thrills

Chessington is overshadowed by Thorpe Park and Alton Towers in terms of big rides, but this attraction in Surrey injected novelty last year with the launch of its exclusive Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, cementing its status as a great option for younger children.

Bringing to life the popular Julia Donaldson tale, this immersive recreation of the mouse’s journey through the deep dark wood adds some storybook magic to its more standard theme park offerings.

The park’s zoo and Sea Life centre provide added family value, with animal-based attractions including monkey walk-throughs and the “Zufari” safari experience. Thrill-seekers who are more interested in big-hitter rides may be disappointed, however.

“Early Bird” online tickets are £29.50pp (limited availability and available only more than five days before day of visit). Chessington has two hotels on site: the Safari Hotel, offering standard, family, executive and themed rooms (including new Gruffalo ones), and Azteca. You won’t get the lowest rates booking so close to the time of the visit, but family rooms are still available from £42pp.

Stay at Chessington's Azteca hotel
Stay at Chessington's Azteca hotel

5. Storm the castle

One of the peculiarities of Britain – the land of castles – is that there are remarkably few that offer child-friendly overnight stays.

The best is Warwick Castle, the all-singing, all-dancing (don’t miss the Horrible Histories Wicked Warwick live stage show, or the twice daily firings of the Mighty Trebuchet siege engine) 1,000-year-old masterpiece.

The Knight’s Village at Warwick Castle has little availability left in its mediaeval themed lodges this Easter - you might book one on Saturday, April 20, for £420, which includes breakfast; two days entrance to the castle; Falconer’s Quest and all daily shows; and car parking. If you'd rather go mid-week, you'll have to stay at local hotels (Days Inn has rooms from £130). Book at warwickcastlebreaks.com

Warwick Castle offers adventure for the whole family - Credit: spongprom - Fotolia
Warwick Castle offers adventure for the whole family Credit: spongprom - Fotolia

6. Sunny Spain

Majorca in April is a treat: at 17C and with seven hours of sunlight each day (remember what that feels like?), you’ll get a real holiday. The sea is a reasonable 15C - just three degrees down from Cornish waters in the height of summer. Easter is the frugal traveller’s ideal time to hire a villa. Enjoy the outdoors at a fraction of peak season prices.

Vintage Travel has villas sleeping four from £598 for next week (rising to £2,558 in peak season).

James Villas has a few properties sleeping six from £529pp, incluing flights.

Majorca represents good value in the off-season - Credit: vulcanus - Fotolia
Majorca represents good value in the off-season Credit: vulcanus - Fotolia

7. Algarve adventure

Head to the Algarve for Easter and you'll get temperatures of around 19C and fill up on Vitamin D with eight hours of sunshine per day. Families with young children should look at late availability from Tots To Travel, the family specialist. A week in the Algarve in a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps four will cost from £666.

Easter in Mauritius? - Credit: Freesurf - Fotolia
Easter in Mauritius? Credit: Freesurf - Fotolia

8. Culture in Cyprus

The ancient port of Paphos, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, is set around one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful harbours.

The four-star Avanti Village is a village-style hotel complex set in extensive grounds close to the beach and not far from the harbour. There's a lagoon pool with a mini lazy river and waterfalls for the kids to enjoy alongside an adventure playground, an indoor pool, and a nearby shingle beach.  

Loveholidays is offering seven nights at the Avanti Village from £1,288, based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis including flights from Bournemouth on April 16. Visit loveholidays.com.

A fort near Paphos - Credit: GETTY
A fort near Paphos Credit: GETTY

9. Great British days out

And if those weren’t right for your family, plan a great day(s) out in Britain. English Heritage has particularly strong offerings this Easter, with great interactive days out at their historic properties around the country - many for under £20. Consider also our experts’ favourite 50 UK days out or one of our 24 favourite attractions.