The top family holiday destinations where you can still grab an affordable break

As the school gates close for summer, thousands of families are due to set off on their annual big break. In past years, accommodation has been snapped up quickly leaving very few options for any last-minute getaways.

But according to experts, there are still plenty of destinations where it’s possible to book a last-minute holiday without spending a fortune.

From emerging beach resorts on the Black Sea, to staycation city breaks – these are a few of the choices available.

Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Devon, UK

There are plenty of opportunities for aquatic adventures at this water sports paradise and wildlife haven with 17 natural lakes,  just 30 minutes from Cornwall’s Bude beaches. Accommodation – including Luxury Cocoons, Lake Pods and Floating Lodges – serves as a base for fishing lessons, archery, and paddle boarding, kayaking and open-water swimming on the Leisure Lake. For younger children, there’s an outdoor heated pool with flumes.

School holidays feature Park Ranger sessions and magic shows. Additional family highlights include miles of walking trails and a dedicated dog paddling lake.

How: A seven-night stay in a self-catering Signature Lake Pod (sleeps four) costs from £1,079 in August. Visit hoseasons.co.uk.

Bristol, UK

For families wishing to fill their days with activities, a staycation city break is a good option. Home of British animation studio Aardman, Bristol, is the setting for a new Gromit Unleashed 3 trail, featuring 50 Wallace & Gromit sculptures spread across the city. Download a map to tick them all off before the end of August.

Continuing the cartoon theme, collective of mural artists Graft will be hosting an art class at Bristol Folk House on August 6, teaching children how to create their own stencil spray art of Gromit or Feathers McGraw. Several hotels are also running Gromit Unleashed 3 special offers this summer, with a donation made to The Grand Appeal, raising funds for Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital.

How: Go to visitbristol.co.uk for more on Gromit Unleashed offers.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Promising sun, sea and sand at affordable prices, the Black Sea has been growing in popularity over the past few years. According to Daniel Howick, a travel manager from Your Co-op Travel, it offers value, natural beauty, and family-friendly experiences.

“We’ve found holidaymakers love that they can book an entire beach holiday – flights, hotel, food, and drink – for a fraction of the cost they’d pay in Spain, Portugal or Greece,” he says, highlighting the golden sands and Blue Flag-awarded beach at Sunny Beach resort as a favourite.

The cost of an all-inclusive hotel stay is on a par with the price of self-catering holidays in traditional Med destinations, and the cost of taxis, restaurants and attractions is much lower. Other highlights of the area include UNESCO World Heritage Site Nessebar, an ancient town with cobbled streets, Byzantine churches and Roman ruins.

How: A seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Sunrise Blue Magic Resort in Obzor costs from £2,839 (two adults and two children), including flights from Birmingham in August. Visit cooptravel.co.uk.

Whitby, UK

As Britain continues to bathe in sunshine, traditional seaside towns are enjoying a resurgence. Historic Yorkshire town Whitby has been crowned top choice by UK self-catering specialists Sykes Cottages, with a report suggesting 63% of Brits plan to holiday in the UK this year.

“It’s no surprise to see Whitby leading the way for school summer holidays,” says managing director James Shaw, crediting its mix of natural beauty, rich history and family-friendly activities. “We’re seeing more families prioritise stress-free getaways – whether that means scenic coastlines, charming local towns or easy access to the great outdoors.”

Earning its nickname ‘The Dinosaur Coast’, there are hundreds of ammonite fossils and dinosaur footprints scattered along its pebble beaches. Along with hunting for these ancient natural treasures, families can also spot minke whales and dolphins from June to October.

How: A seven-night self-catering stay at Olton Hall @ Engine Shed (sleeps four) costs from £1,452 in August. Visit sykescottages.co.uk.

Agadir, Morocco

There was a time when families would rarely venture beyond the Med. But due to a combination of rising prices in Europe and low-cost air links further afield, mid-haul holidays are now much more appealing. Topping the charts is Morocco, where – according to new research by online travel agent loveholidays – an all-inclusive break can cost as little as £81 per person per night.

“North African destinations like Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt offer a huge range of affordable, great quality all inclusive resorts, making them a top choice for cost-conscious couples and families alike this summer,” says Al Murray, chief marketing officer at loveholidays.

Promising 300 days of sunshine each year coupled with a refreshing Atlantic breeze, southern resort town Agadir is a popular choice. Swim in the sea or one of the natural pools dotted around the Paradise Valley gorge inland. In town, the Souk El Had is a maze of spices, trinkets and colourful wonders. Further along the coast, it’s possible to make a day trip to laidback surf town Taghazout.

How: A seven-night all-inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamlelt resort in Agadir in August costs from £1236 (for four), including flights. Visit loveholidays.com.