Cheap Family Holidays You Can Take This Easter

The Easter holidays present families across the UK with the perfect opportunity to spend some well-deserved time together. With schools closed and bank holidays providing extra time off work, Easter is a popular time to flee daily routines and make lasting memories. According to ABTA, Easter is one of the busiest times of year for the travel industry. In fact, bookings for Easter holidays featuring at least one child have increased by 15%. The increase in April bookings may be due to holidays taken over Easter being up to 50% cheaper than those taken in July or August.

With families experiencing summer holiday price hikes of up to 11.5%, Easter is fast becoming a holiday pick for many. However, high demand makes finding an affordable holiday that keeps everyone happy challenging. Whether you are seeking a sun-soaked escape, an action-packed ski break, or a budget-friendly camping adventure, there are plenty of options that will be kind to your spring budget. With some planning, a keen eye for deals, and some insider knowledge, you can enjoy a memorable Easter holiday without spending a fortune.

In this blog, I’ll explore some of the best cheap family holidays you can take this Easter, together with tips on where to go, how to find the best deals, and the hidden savings many people overlook.

How to find cheap family holidays

Finding a budget-friendly holiday isn’t just about booking the cheapest option you see online. I know from experience that timing, flexibility, and deal-hunting are key to unlocking great family holiday savings. You will need to put in some homework, but it will be worth the effort when you book your bargain holiday.

Book early or go last-minute - A good tip for next Easter is to secure an early booking discount of up to 20% by booking months in advance. However, if you’re booking closer to the date, last-minute deals can offer luxury at a bargain price as travel companies seek to fill vacant places.

Be flexible with dates and locations - Although traditionally harder for families, flexibility is a traveller's friend! Travelling mid-week, avoiding the peak Easter weekend, or choosing a lesser-known destination can all lead to significant savings on family holidays.

Choose a package holiday - Opting for a package holiday can often be cheaper than booking flights and accommodation separately. Travel agents like Jet2holidays offer package deals that include flights, hotels, and sometimes transfers. Because package holidays are designed for families, they often include child discounts, free places, and flexible payment plans as a bonus. Booking everything together also provides financial protection through ATOL and ABTA, ensuring peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Browse the deals on Savoo and compare prices - Holiday firms like TUI and Thomas Cook regularly offer great-value family breaks, so check out the latest travel deals before you book anything. Some airlines and tour operators release new deals on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, as fewer people book during these days.

Consider self-catering - Staying in an apartment or holiday home with kitchen facilities can dramatically cut down on food expenses, especially for large families. Learning how to meal prep is a good tip for all walks of life, but particularly on holidays with kids.

Single-parent savings - Travel companies' views of what constitutes a family have changed significantly in the last few years. Many holiday firms now offer deals specifically for single-parent families. It’s just as well because Explore! has highlighted that the cost of a single parent travelling with one child can be up to 28% dearer than that of two adults with one child going on the same holiday. Lone parents will save up to £75 when booking with Canvas Holidays, and that is just the tip of the iceberg for single-parent holiday discounts!

Kids go free deals

For families looking to cut down holiday costs, free travel deals for kids can be a game-changer. Travel companies such as easyJet Holidays and First Choice always offer free child places when booking as a family. Every year, thousands of kids go free deals are made available, including dates during the school holidays. The offers typically allow one child to stay, eat, and sometimes even fly for free when accompanied by two paying adults.

If you want to secure a genuine free child place, there are some key details you should be aware of:

• Who qualifies? – Most deals apply to children under 12, but some brands extend the age limit to 16 or 18. I would strongly recommend that you always check the age limit before booking!
• Limited availability – Free child place deals operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. They are usually extremely limited, so booking early is essential where possible.
• Not always fully free – Some Kids Go Free deals only cover accommodation but not flights or extras like baggage. Always read the fine print to ensure you’re not left out of pocket.
• Applies to specific hotels & resorts – Free child places are often only available in selected hotels or resorts that cater to families. It pays to be flexible and plan your holiday around what deals are active.
• Booking window – The absolute best time to book a family holiday is right after the summer holidays end. This is when tour operators launch early deals for the next Easter and summer.

'Most free child places are gone within the first few weeks of release, especially for peak school holiday dates. If you see one available for your dates, book it immediately before it sells out. I saw this firsthand when my cousin tried to book a free child place on a Jet2holidays deal to Tenerife last year. She spotted a bargain at £2,100 instead of £2,700 because one of her kids qualified for a free place. She decided to think about it overnight, but by the time she checked back the next morning, the free child places were gone. The same holiday had jumped back up to full price, and my relative ended up paying more because she hesitated.'

The best destinations for a budget-friendly Easter getaway

Sadly, not all holidays are created equal when it comes to value for money. Some destinations offer an abundance of free attractions, affordable accommodation, and budget-friendly dining. Others are known for their high costs, tourist traps, and expensive excursions. For example, I know there are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Paris. Choosing the right destination is crucial for making the most of your holiday budget.

To get the best value holiday, it’s important to look at overall affordability rather than just flight prices. A number of locations may have cheap flights but expensive accommodation. Others will offer all-inclusive deals that will save you money on food and entertainment. Here are some of the best family holiday destinations for an affordable Easter break.

UK seaside towns and holiday parks

Avoiding flights and keeping things simple is often the best approach to a family holiday, especially when multiple young children are involved. The UK has plenty of fantastic family-friendly options. Holiday park companies like Parkdean and Away Resorts traditionally run Easter deals with ‘kids go free’ offers, entertainment included, and even full-board options that make budgeting easy.

Best locations:

• Cornwall & Devon – The southwest has beautiful beaches, affordable caravan parks, and plenty of free nature-based activities. A basic Cornwall campsite for a family of four over the Easter weekend costs around £150 - £250. Haven has 3-night Easter packages from as little as £149.
• Wales – Llandudno and Tenby offer budget-friendly coastal stays with lots to do for families. According to Which?, a one-week holiday cottage averages around £732 in regions like Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). That is more than £100 cheaper than popular areas like Snowdonia, where the average is £846 per week.
• Scotland – Ayr and St Andrews are great for beach lovers who also enjoy exploring historic towns. Scotland also boasts numerous free attractions, including national museums, parks, and historical sites. Scottish B&Bs and guest houses cater to various budgets. Prices start from as low as £50 per night, providing a cosy and cost-effective stay.

All-inclusive sunshine getaways

If UK holidays are not your thing, Easter is a great time to head to Europe for some sunshine. For example, you can enjoy highs of up to 24 degrees in Greece and the Canaries. Destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Turkey frequently have incredible value all-inclusive holidays available, with On the Beach savings previously hitting £1,268 across the period. Resorts such as those in Costa del Sol, Algarve, and Antalya cater specifically to families with included meals, entertainment, and activities.

Here are some of the best Easter deals to give you an idea of the prices you can expect to pay.

• Turkey – A family-friendly paradise with some of the cheapest all-inclusive packages available. Easter breaks in Turkey are available from £211pp at lastminute.com, based on 2 adults and 2 children aged 5+.
• Spain – Destinations like Costa Blanca and Costa Dorada are packed with budget resorts and sandy beaches. Eurocamp offers great value 3-night stays in Spain from under £120 for a party of four, including cheap beach holidays.
• Canary Islands – Tenerife and Lanzarote boast warm weather, child-friendly resorts, and fantastic facilities. Escape to the Canary Islands this Easter for as little as £179pp with Loveholidays.

European city breaks

A European city break can be surprisingly affordable for those who want to mix culture with fun. Many cities offer free or cheap activities for families. For starters, you can take advantage of cheap Eurostar tickets. Research by TimeOut indicates that Tirana (Albania), Kaunas (Lithuania) and Porto (Portugal) are the cheapest European destinations, but here are a few of my favourites.

• Amsterdam – Free walking tours, beautiful parks, and budget-friendly accommodation. I can thoroughly recommend Amsterdam’s Secret Garden. Located between Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and Nieuwendijk, the garden is curated by a new artist every few months.
• Lisbon – A cheap and cheerful city with trams, beaches, and affordable food. The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), which can be found on Belém’s waterfront, has interactive art exhibits and offers free admission on selected days.
• Prague – With a fairytale-like charm and some of the lowest accommodation prices in Europe. Prague is the most beautiful city I have visited. Look out for the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square. Every hour between 9 am and 11 pm, it conducts a performance featuring moving figures that children love.

Family adventure holidays

For families who love a bit of adventure, there’s no need to spend a fortune on an active getaway. From pitching a tent in a scenic campsite to upgrading to a glamping pod for extra comfort without the hefty price tag. If you fancy hitting the slopes, budget-friendly ski resorts in Bulgaria, Andorra, and even Scotland provide a more affordable way to experience winter sports.

National Park getaways in areas like the Lake District, Peak District, and Snowdonia are always popular with families, offering breathtaking scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and plenty of free outdoor activities. According to recent data, the average cost of a UK national park holiday for a family is around £1,000 - £1,500 for a week-long stay. Anything cheaper, and you’re onto a winner!

My colleague and fellow Savoo Money-Saving Editor, Emily Ambler says:

'If you're struggling to find a deal within budget, consider travelling one or two days outside peak school holiday dates. Some airlines and hotels drop their prices just before or after the official Easter break. On one occasion, taking my son out of school 2 days early saved me hundreds of pounds on a peak holiday. But you need to be savvy when claiming these attractive travel deals. Parents can face fines for unauthorised school leave and even prosecution in extreme cases, so you should always check the current rules with schools before you book'

Final thoughts: Enjoy a memorable Easter getaway for less!

Unlike summer, when peak pricing can skyrocket, Easter offers the sweet spot between affordability and good weather. It’s no wonder Easter is becoming an increasingly popular time for families to travel. Many destinations will still be quieter than peak summer, making it easier to enjoy attractions without long queues or inflated high season costs.

In summary, the key to saving money is booking early, being flexible with dates, taking advantage of free child places and choosing the right destination. By making smart choices before booking, you canl enjoy a fantastic Easter break without the financial strain. There are even ways to save money while on your family holiday. So, where will your family be heading this Easter?