Mum ditches holidays abroad for UK break & her family have a much better time

A MUM, who decided against holidaying abroad this year, has revealed how she and her family have a much better time with staycations.

The cost of flights and the hassle of travel mean lots of people are considering staying at home this year instead of an overseas vacation.

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One person who did just that was parent Kate Lally, who decided on a holiday destination less than an hour away from her home in Liverpool.

Instead of visiting a popular resort in Spain, France or elsewhere like lots of British holidaymakers will be doing this year, Kate decided to go to Southport – and was really impressed.

She wrote in the Liverpool Echo: “The weather was glorious and the view across Marine Lake from our rooms at the Waterfront Hotel was simply stunning.”

Kate sampled food from several local eateries, including souvlaki and gyros from Pitamu, pizza from 600 Degrees and burgers from the Allotment and said each was “fantastic”.

Her and her family also took in Kings Gardens, enjoyed a stroll around the Marine Lake and took in an Ancient Egypt exhibition at the local history museum.

They also visited Windmill Farm in Burscough, where kids can feed guinea pigs, goats, llamas and lambs.

She continued: “We absolutely loved our nearby staycation and my three-year-old keeps asking me when we’re going to go back.

“It just goes to show you really don’t have to go far at all to have an amazing family holiday.”

Visitors to Southport can also head to the Windmill Pub, which boasts gorgeous coastal views.

The building of the now-seaside boozer dates back to 1833 – and was initially three separate fisherman’s cottages before various brewers swooped in.

The self-styled ‘typical English pub’ pub was named Merseyside Pub and Bar of the Year in the National Pub and Bar Awards – securing its place in the running for the top national award.

The pub enjoys glowing reviews online, with many paying tribute to the fantastic food and service.

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One said: “Nice warm welcome from the lady behind the bar. Very dog friendly as well.

“Food was really lovely we had fish, chips & peas.

“Very reasonable price and will definitely return next time we visit Southport.”

Another reason to visit Southport is that a huge waterpark has reopened this summer, after shutting its doors four years ago.

Splash World in Southport was temporarily closed in late 2019 for a refurbishment, but that project was extended considerably by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the renovation is now complete and the park reopened its doors for the first time in almost half a decade at the end of May.

The park offers a wide range of attractions, including thrilling water slides, a lazy river and interactive play areas suitable for all ages.

As well as rides, the park also has Murtle’s Diner on-site, selling pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and other meals and snacks.

Prior to its closure in 2019, the park was very popular with families, with its variety of slides impressing visitors.

One wrote on TripAdvisor: “Doughnut slides were fun and kids enjoyed it.

“Then you have 2 other slides that you don’t sit on anything – one’s a family slide and one for the more daring people!”

Meanwhile, this UK seaside town has amazing sandy beaches and a music festival overlooking seas where dolphins swim.

And these are some of the best hot tub staycations to book this year.

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