Over-55s specialist sees self-drive holidays surge

Over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays has seen a surge in last-minute self-drive bookings as more Brits seek breaks in the UK. Sales director Harold Burke said: "We are well known for our coach tours but we have recently seen spikes in bookings for our self-drive holidays.

"This suggests we are attracting holidaymakers who are new to our brand. They may have previously flown or driven overseas on holiday and are now deciding to take domestic breaks by car instead.

"This may be because they're not keen on facing long queues at airports, or the cost of the Euro, or they have environmental concerns about flying.

“They're also attracted by the value for money offered with our self-drive breaks in the UK. We offer half-board accommodation too, making the holidays very affordable.

"Recent surveys by the AA and Norwich Union echo what we are seeing, with people choosing to take holidays on our shores and rediscovering the delights of the British coastal and mountain scenery.”

The tour operator has some availability left between now and October, with rates from around £26 a night.

“We're finding people are making spur-of-the-minute decisions to head off for a holiday - but at the rate we're selling these breaks, they could be sold out very soon," added Burke.

Grand UK Holidays offers a wide range of self-drive tours across the UK, with hotel or self-catering accommodation available. These are the rates for half-board stays at Grand UK Hotels – the sister brand of Grand UK Holidays:

Torquay: Hotel Richmond - 3 nights £79; 4 nights £104
Blackpool: Warwick Hotel - 3 nights £105; 4 nights £136
Blair Atholl: Bridge of Tilt Hotel - 3 nights £105; 4 nights £136
Kendal: County Hotel - 3 nights £105; 4 nights £136
Skegness: County Hotel - 3 nights £105; 4 nights £136
Llandrindod Wells: Glen Usk Hotel - 3 nights £105; 4 nights £136
Isle of Wight: Parkbury Hotel, Sandown - 3 nights £105*; 4 nights £136*
Llandudno: Grand Ash Hotel - 3 nights £111; 4 nights £144
Bridlington: Monarch Hotel - 3 nights £111; 4 nights £144

Please note: 3-night breaks are Friday to Monday and 4-night breaks are Monday to Friday only. Excluding bank holidays.

* Excludes ferry crossings – return fares from £49 for a car, driver and up to three passengers.

For bookings see Grandukholidays.com.