Spring bank holiday and half term breaks: UK

So the bank holiday and half term are looming over us already - and the UK is just teaming with things to do and places to see. And yes! Some come with a discount ... Here's the EssentialTravel.co.uk round up of what's on offer in the UK next week.

Taking the high road? You'll find there's quite a lot going on on and around Loch Lomond - from red squirrel reserves to the Aberfoyle Go Ape course (the longest zip line in the UK) - and you can stay in a Wigwam (see Strathfillan Wigwams), starting at £28.00 per night or £190 a week, both based on two sharing.

Still in Scotland, but this time St Andrews, and our thoughts naturally turn to golf: the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa has introduced a golfing package (actually available until the end of the year, if next week is too short notice): two nights (luxury) B&B and a round of golf on the Duke's, Kingsbarns and Castle Course courses is £600 per person.

A little further south, and you'll discover that Yorkshire Cottages has reduced the prices of some of its cottages. One week at the Travellers Rest Farm Cottage, for example, which sleeps six and is near Whitby (which incidentally, is the home of Dracula, unlikely as that may seem), has been reduced by £90 and is now £520 for a week.

There are more deals to be had in Cornwall, Dorset and Devon at camping and caravan parks Parkdean Holidays. Three nights at Mullion, near the Lizard peninsula and the Eden Project in Cornwall, starts at £212 for three nights - a saving of £25 - and £310 for seven nights, a saving of £40, for example. There are similar reductions at parks in Sandford, Looe Bay and Torquay.

And while we're talking about Cornwall, Retallack Resort & Spa also has reductions over half term. From May 24-30, seven nights in a two-bedroom lodge (which sleeps four) is reduced by £260 to £700. There's also a selection of kids activities from treasure hunts, nature walks and... the 'human hamster ball'. Don't ask.

Thinking more of a day trip? From historical re-enactments in Cheshire to horse-drawn canal boat tours in North Wales, we've prepared our top ten UK half term escapes.

Have fun!

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