🏴‍☠️ Hitchin Splash Park - Bancroft Park

🤔 So you're probably wondering how I get my hotel deals at crazily cheap prices. I've managed to bag a few one being the Riffle volunteer in Ware, Hertfordshire for £10 bed and breakfast (you can see our Facebook video here) for two people and Donington Manor Hotel in Donington for £9 including bed and breakfast, plus a few more in the past.

👀 HOW DO I DO IT?
Is it easy? Sort of. Is it guaranteed? No
In a way it's pretty easy really, there are so many price glitches to be found, one being accommodations on booking.com.

🕸 SO WHAT'S THE CATCH?
So you've booked your cheap deal, you can't believe your luck and can't wait to go... don't get too excited...yet! This could all change. The property could easily cancel your bargain night away if they wanted to. On the plus side they could honour it...and this is where you can get excited, if you don't hear back from them this is a good sign that the booking is likely to go ahead. Please be aware you are booking at your own risk.

💡 TIPS ON HOW TO FIND THEM..
1️⃣ Find a location you are looking for and put it in search (put in any date). I usually find putting 2 adults into search comes up with better results. Find an accommodation you like or filter from lowest to highest.

3️⃣ Search other dates on the calender for your chosen accommodation and scroll down as far as you can, this is where you may find a big difference in prices.

4️⃣ Check reviews on Tripadvisor to find true experiences of the property. Check what facilities they have such as; free parking, accessibility etc.

5️⃣ If you want to book go for it! If the property declines your booking which does happen I have always been refunded my money back. You will get a notification usually by email or on your app if they decide to cancel or they may ask you to cancel your end. Make sure to ask for a 'free to cancel' option link to be sent to you. If you have a free cancellation property anyway this won't apply. If you have any queries or concerns contact customer service directly on booking.com.

ℹ️ DISCLAIMER:
Price glitches sometimes appear on large booking platforms due to technical or input errors. All deals shared here are publicly visible at the time of discovery and booked in good faith. Hotels are fully entitled to cancel any glitch bookings, and readers should treat these deals as not guaranteed. 

This blog aims to highlight great value while still supporting the businesses we feature. When a property chooses to honour a glitch, it’s entirely their decision — and always appreciated. Please leave them a review as a way of your appreciation.

🏩 CHEAP ACCOMMODATION FOUND PUBLISHED AS SEEN ON 02/03/26:
Please be aware the prices may have changed as advertised below due to updates or some potentially lucky person who has booked it before you got to it first!

2026 PROPERTIES
▪️The Nook, Bedford: £19
🗓 Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd November

▪️Mason Claire, Chester: £1
🗓 Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd November

2027 PROPERTIES
▪️Grovefield House, Slough: £14
🗓 Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd January

▪️ Mount Pleasant Hotel: £36
🗓 Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd January

▪️Avonmouth Studio, Bristol: £14
🗓 Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th February

▪️Regency Park Hotel, Health Club & Spa: £36
🗓 Friday 12th - Sunday 14th February

▪️ The Bear on the Square: £2
🗓 Friday 26th February - Sunday 28th February

🙏LET US KNOW
If you managed to get away for a great deal please let us know. Happy bargain hunting!

✈️ Escape on a Budget: Your Passport to saving more with WhatsUp Bedfordshire, flying from Luton.

💡 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AT THE AIRPORT.
Literally scraping by just to get away? Worried about all the extras costs? We get it, honestly we really do, this is why we have put some ideas below to help you save a little more and stress a little less. Stay savvy, and let’s make travel affordable again.

🥃 Not just for shower gel:
So we all know those little travel pots of 100ml are a great idea to keep in your hand luggage for shower gel, shampoo, etc saving space and money. Little insider tip -  have you thought you could add rum, vodka or your favourite tipple in one just incase of any emergency? 😜 - Please note: airlines say you can't drink your own alcohol on the plane, I'm not sure why this rule is in place are they just trying to take more of our cash? Don’t try to pop open your duty free on the plane, you won't get away with that one.

🥛 Water or squash? Bring an empty bottle to the airport and fill it with free water at the water stations, if you don't like plain water you can take a mini concentration juice that you can add to give you flavour also as it's small you can fit it easily in your hand luggage. You can buy these for around £1.45 from Aldi. Self catering?  This comes in handy while your on holiday to add to your bottles of water, while saving you money at the same time.

🥂 VIP Lounge & Travel Insurance:
An all inclusive VIP Lounge at Luton Airport costs around £38pp, this is all inclusive of alcoholic hot & soft drinks and all food. You can save money if you have a barclays card account and opt in for the Travel Plus Package for £22 per month. This covers your travel insurance (including your partner and dependants up to the age of 23 who live with you) plus the great benefit for me is 6 free visits a year to the VIP Lounge (if you have a family of 6 for instance you can use the passes all in one go or spread them out individually throughout the year). If you don't have a Barclays account and want to opt in for a different membership you can check out a Groupon offer here.

👍 Zip Lock Bags - Versatile -  Food, Perfume smelling clothes:
Zip lock bags are so handy for many different things. Traveling from Luton Airport you can keep your 100ml in your bag, you no longer have to put them in a zip lock bag or even take them out of your hand luggage. Flying back into Luton maybe a different story you may have to have clear Zip lock bags to put your 100ml liquids in, depending on where you are flying from. Also if you are one of those people who can't resist a cheeky, sneeky sarnie or pastry from breakfast, these are great for storing food or keeping your freebie munchies in your hotel room fridge for when you feel a big peckish.
🧴Can't fit your fav perfume in your hand luggage? Spray all your clothes with your fav fragrance, roll up your clothes as tight as you can, then zip them in a zip lock bag. The smell will be lasting and it keeps your clothes smaller so you can add that extra bikini in if you wish. These bags can fit anywhere and are so handy.

🎒 Try to travel light: Try looking at taking a few days away where you can take just your hand luggage, maybe a 2-5 day break (you still get a holiday this just keeps the cost down). Hold baggage can add to the expense. We've found Jet2 to be the best for hand luggage. You can take two bags! Hand luggage can weigh no more than 10kg and can be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels and handles). You can also take another small personal item such as a bum bag or laptop for free as long as it fits under your seat (40cm x 30cm x 20cm).
We found an amazing bag on Amazon, you can fit so much in it and is perfect for Jet2 flights.

Click below to view the Rucksack - the best one I've ever brought with so many compartments and space. As a women travelling this was brilliant, I could get away for five nights with this bag without having to buy hold luggage.
➡️ https://amzn.to/4g4L67v

💳 Boots Advantage Card: Do you have a Boots Advantage points card? If you do and you have enough points you can get a meal deal for free using your points. A meal deal at Luton Airport costs around £5.00. You can get a drink, sandwich/salad/wrap and a snack like a chocolate bar, crisps, fruit. I like to save my meal deal for a little picnic for on the plane. You can also get essentials like toothpaste, deodorant etc with your Boots Advantage Card last minute, just make sure you have enough points on you Boots advantage card to be able to grab your items for free!

🎊 Are you travelling on your Birthday?
Love Chinese food?
At Luton Airport you will find a Chopstix.
Chopstix has a great deal when you sign up to the newsletter and download the Chopstix app you can qualify for a FREE BIRTHDAY BOX to celebrate your special day! You can use this epic deal at any of participating stores including one located at Luton Airport. When you sign up you get five free spring rolls, grab another three for free by entering the referral code:
💥54277
(Please be aware when claiming your free birthday treat they may ask for ID to confirm it's your birthday)

☕️ Hot drink sachets:  You could take all in one coffee sachets/hot chocolate and ask for a cup of hot water on the plane, just ask nicely, please note they may not be able to offer you hot water all the time as they have a limited amount of supply. If you can get away with it you can save £3 - £4. All in one coffee sachets from Home Bargains only cost around £1.00 for 10. Not only that but if you go self catering these sachets will come in handy.

🥪 Bring snacks: If you have enough room, remember you can bring your own snacks, crisps, sandwiches, sausage rolls. This came in so handy as we were stuck on the plane for 2 hours once before it took off and you could see people eyeing us up while we were munching away, and yes of course offered hand outs, no one fancied my cheese and onion rolls.

🛍 Duty Free: If you're buying something from duty free and you get a bag (be cheeky and ask for the larger one) this acts like an extra bag where you can cram other bits and take on the plane with you.

🧣 Keep your clothes on:
Heading out from the lovely Luton weather I use my sarong as my scarf. For one it keeps me warm and secondly it saves space in my hand luggage, thirdly it acts as a blanket in the plane when the hubby is blasting out the air conditioning and lastly it's my beach babe sarong - well I think so.

🛎 BOOK A HOTEL/VILLA/TRANSFERS
Want a hotel to add and/or transfers you can find them here via:
➡️ Expedia
➡️ Hotels.com
➡️ Booking.com

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 A Day Trip to Billing Aquadrome Summer 2025: Big Vibes, Tiny Price...

Ever fancied a mini holiday without the packing, planning, or price tag? That’s exactly what we got with our spontaneous day trip to Billing Aquadrome—a splash of adventure, a sprinkle of entertainment for the whole family, including your four legged member of the family! A great day for a picnic, entertainment and fun!

🎟 YOU NEED TO BOOK A DAY PASS
You will need to book day passes before you go. There are a limited number of daily passes available so definitely book in advance. Click here

🎟️ THE DAY PASS
From 9am to 10pm, your pass unlocks a full day of fun. It’s like pressing pause on everyday life and stepping into a holiday bubble—without booking a stay.

💳 Cost Breakdown:
▪️£5 per person 
▪️Under 5s: Free 
▪️Car parking: £5 extra 

And yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You get the holiday vibe, fresh air, and a jam-packed itinerary—all for less than a takeaway.

💦 WHAT'S INCLUDED (For Free!)
Here’s what your day pass gets you—no extra fees, just pure fun:

✨️ Splash Park (seasonal)
✨️ Amphitheatre Shows
✨️ Skate Park/Bike Track
✨️ Indoor Soft Play
✨️ Lake Walks & Picnic Spots
✨️ Mini Train Rides (times may vary, seasonal)
✨️ Play Parks & Foam

♨️ BBQ's ALLOWED
At designated areas BBQ's are allowed as long as they are kept off the ground. You may need to check with the park before you go to see if there are plenty of spots available as school holidays and bank holidays may get busy.
☎️ Phone: 01604 408 181

❓️FAQS
You can check the official Billing Aquadrome FAQs for more details on dogs, BBQ’S and more here.

🎤 ENTERTAINMENT
With live singers, to flyboard shows to fun games for the children, this ticked all the boxes for entertainment throughout the day! You can see what's on here for 2025.

🎪 EXTRA FUN (Paid Access)
Want to level up your day? These extras are available on-site:
🔸️Funfair rides (£2–£4)
🔸️Circus performances
🔸️Bike hire
🔸️Swimming pool (off-peak only for day passes, booking required)
🔸️Shops, cafes, restaurants
🔸️Amusement arcades
🔸️Aqua fun (seasonal)

🐶 FOR DOGS
Dogs are allowed on the park, including in, the arcade, reception, and downstairs at The Venue. The cafe by the water sports.
Dog-friendly activities such as the "Tough Mutter" agility course and opportunities to enjoy walks and even canoe or pedalo rides with your dog.

🔐 INSIDER TIP
If you’re planning to catch the evening shows at the Amphitheatre, make sure you’re already inside before 6pm—after that, security checks may b for holiday passes only. We lucked out by being in the area early!

💯 OVERALL...
Billing Aquadrome gave us the perfect blend of excitement and chill. Whether you're chasing foam bubbles, admiring the alpacas, or just a break from routine, this day trip delivers the goods. And at £5 a head? It’s practically a steal.

♿️ ACCESSIBILITY
We found Billing Aquadrome to be very accessible in most places. The car park is gravel though and in rainy weather the muddy paths can get very muddy. There is a stairs lift to the swimming pool viewing area, this is also where you will find the free small soft play area. The splash park, restaurant, cafes and amusements are all accessible. I haven't found an accessible caravan on the website so it will be worth contacting them directly to find out.
☎️ Phone: 01604 408 181

🎟 DAY TICKETS -Click here

😴 WANT TO STAY
You have a choice of caravans, lodges with hot tubs, glaming & touring campervans from £25.
Holidaysclick here

👀 CHECK BOOKING.COM
You may find a good deal on booking.com, if you do book through them see if the passes are included before you book, I believe some do and some don't.

🌐 BILLING AQUADROME WEBSITE
https://meadowbay.com/billingaquadrome/

😍 Stoke Bruerne a beautiful location in Northamptonshire, just a mere 15 minute drive from Milton Keynes. Although all of its amenities are convenienly close together, it is a charming, scenic location that feels like you have stepped back in time.

😌 WHAT DOES STOKE BRUERNE HAVE TO OFFER?
From picturesque english cottages, from a historic scenic canal or calming woodland walk, delicious eateries, fun boat trips, a pub/restaurant with a play area and even peacful camping available, Stoke Bruerne has something to offer for everyone!

🕳 THE 9TH LONGEST CANAL TUNNEL IN THE WORLD....
Blisworth Tunnel: Deep beneath the peaceful waters of the Grand Union Canal lies a masterpiece of engineering—Blisworth Tunnel. Stretching an impressive 3,075 yards (2,811 meters), it’s not only the longest wide, freely navigable tunnel in Europe but also spacious enough for two narrowboats to pass side by side in opposite directions.

This subterranean passage ranks as the third-longest canal tunnel in the UKand an impressive ninth-longest in the world. Carved through the earth, it plunges 143 feet (43 meters) below ground level, making it one of Britain’s most fascinating hidden waterways.

Whether you’re exploring the canal by boat or simply marveling at its history, Blisworth Tunnel is a quiet giant, connecting past ingenuity with present-day adventure.

🛝 A PUB WITH A PLAY AREA
The Navigation is a pub/restaurant with indoor as well as outdoor seating directly next to the canal features a fenced off play area with climbing equipment and a double slide for probably for ages a 5+. Serving food and drinks. Also The Navigation is dog friendly in the bar & beer garden.

📖 THE FREE CANAL MUSEUM
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Note: Please check the website to keep updated on opening times incase of closing for private events.

The canal museum is free and accessible (accessible via the side entrance of the cafe and is only accessible on the lower level not level 2). Parking charges do apply. There is a green with numerous benches to sit on, a great location for a picnic to watch the world slowly pass by!

Nestled in the charming canal village of Stoke Bruerne, The Canal Museum stands as a testament to Britain’s rich waterway heritage. Housed within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed corn mill, this pioneering museum—the first of its kind in the country—unlocks the fascinating stories of the Grand Union Canal. 

Try your hand at creating your own iconic roses and castles, slip into a boater’s costume, and soak in the sights, scents, and sounds of life on the water.

Then, meet Sculptor, the museum’s historic narrowboat. Built in 1935, she carried cargo, fought fires in WWII London, and worked the waterways until her retirement in 1984. Now, she’s moored outside, ready to share her incredible story.

🚤 BOAT TRIPS (Dog friendly)
1️⃣ Charlie: There are two boat trips available one being Charlie located directly outside the museum. This is open
▪️April - October every weekend and everyday in the school holidays
▪️11am - 3.30pm (last trip)
▪️Trips depart every 30 mins
▪️Trips lasting 25 minutes.
▪️Adults: £5, Children: £4
(Please note: Prices can change at anytime)

2️⃣ Santa Cruises in December are available leaving from The Boat Inn across the canel opposite the museum.

🌳 WOODLAND WALK
If you find yourself wandering past the museum with curiosity in tow, head straight down toward the tunnel—just a short five-minute walk will lead you to the woodland walk, a tranquil path tucked away beyond the canal’s edge. This may not be accessible for wheelchairs in some locations and the it is has a slight raised path.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t explore too far this time (blame an off day!), but even in my brief adventure, the woods had plenty to offer—sculptures hidden among the trees and playful lambs bouncing through the fields, radiating the kind of joy that makes you pause and smile. 

I can’t say for sure how far the trail stretches or what surprises lie further ahead, but if you’re up for an unplanned meander, this could be the perfect little detour. Just a heads-up: the gravel path might pose a challenge for wheelchair users, so some extra consideration may be needed. 

Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or simply enjoying a moment with nature, the woodland walk holds its own quiet charm—perhaps next time, I’ll venture deeper and uncover more of its secrets! 

🚙 CAMPING SITE FOR CARAVAN CLUB MEMBERS
Home Farm Camping site is a camping site for members only and just steps away from the Navigation pub/restaurant and a minute walk to the other canal restaurants such as an Indian, museum and walks.This site is ideal for golf, fishing and Star Gazing. Dogs are welcome. This site has battery charging facilities. Costing from only £14 a night. Book me a pitch here.

💯 RECOMMENDED BY WHATSUPBEDS.COM
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, Stoke Bruerne invites you to step into the rhythm of the past and experience the legacy of Britain’s canals and scenery, a memorable place to visit, enjoy, relax, an adventure and to explore.

✅️ Free museum
✅️ Canal walk
✅️ Woodland walk
✅️ Restaurants
✅️ Dog friendly locations  
✅️ Scenic location
✅️ Accessible (in most areas)
✅️ Pub with a play area & accessible 
✅️ Camping (members)
✅️ Historic location