Holidays

This is a list of holiday information which has proved useful to single parents. Please be aware that some of these are more expensive than others and are in no particular order regarding price or popularity.

Women’s Holiday Centre
Non-profit making, user-led holiday centre for women and children in the UK. Volunteer run women's co-op providing holidays for those on moderate or limited means. Payment is by a sliding scale according to income, where the lowest charge for one night, including food, will never exceed one day of benefit entitlement.

Mellor Country House
Holidays for low income families who would otherwise not have a holiday. The home is low cost, self-catering and non-sectarian, set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds. Lots for children such as snooker, play room, toys and games. Open March-October.

Care for the Family offer low cost single parent holidays, with a bursary scheme for families on Income Support.

Family Holiday Association
This charity provides holidays for low income families, who must be referred by a social worker, GP, etc. Send a large SAE for application form.

Mango
Mango provides holidays specifically designed for single parent families in England and Europe.

Country Holidays for City Kids
CHICKS provide free holidays for children who are emotionally and financially disadvantaged who would not otherwise have a holiday. These activity holidays are for 8-11’s and 12-15’s. You will need to be referred by a professional or an organisation. 

Single Parents on Holiday Ltd
Escorted holidays providing quality accommodation, activities and kids clubs without charging for two adults. 

Small Families
UK’s original provider of quality holidays for single parent families. Departures available for every school holiday giving you a chance for summer sun, winter sun, skiing, cruising or even meeting Santa.

Single Parent Travel Club
This club is non profit making and is run by volunteers , the aim of the club is to link single parent families together for days out , short breaks and holidays , by booking group accommodation our members can afford a family holiday which they otherwise might not be able to. Lifetime membership £20.

Holiday Endeavour for Lone Parents (HELP)
HELP has been organising lone parent holidays for 29 years. It’s a registered charity run by people who are or have been lone parents. They are dedicated to providing high quality, low cost full board, half board and self-catering accommodation with entertainment, which will allow any lone parent to both afford and enjoy a family holiday.

Youth Hostels Association (YHA) 
The Youth Hostels Association offers activities, special offers and fantastically low cost holidays at Youth Hostels across England and Wales.

Single with Kids
This is a club specialising in holidays for single parents. Their breaks range from bunk barns to Mediterranean villas, tents to trips for toddlers, tipis to country houses and we have the largest range of day trips, weekend breaks and holidays for single parents in the UK. The breaks start at £10 a night through to luxury holidays - they specialise in offering something for most pockets and the focus is on fun and friendship.

The Mother’s Union
Away from it All Holidays (AFIA) is funded by the Mother’s Union, a Christian organisation, aiming to provide holidays for those experiencing times of stress. Anyone can apply for a holiday, you don’t have to be a church member. A variety of holidays are offered and you need to be referred by a social worker, GP or other professional. 

ukholidayswapshop.co.uk
Britain's first UK only holiday house swapping site. List your home with us and contact any member on the website to arrange as many affordable breaks as you want for a whole year.

Intervac International Home Exchange
Arranges house exchange holidays both in Britain and abroad.

Home Base Holidays
Home exchange site. Internet only membership organisation.

Hostelling Abroad 
Membership of the Youth Hostel Association gives access to 5,000 Youth Hostels in 60 countries worldwide.

Happy Days Children’s Charity You can apply for a family holiday if you have a child or children with special needs. These are one week holidays by the seaside or in the countryside, usually in the UK.

Gingerbread Northern Ireland 
Advice on holidays specifically aimed at lone parents.

Tourism for All 
Tourism for All is a registered charity which provides support and information for disabled people whose circumstances make access to holidays difficult. Information sheets are available on a variety of holiday topics, ie holidays for children with special needs.

Scout Holiday Homes Trust Low-cost holidays at popular holiday sites with specially adapted accommodation for people with special needs. No Scouting connection is required.

CCHF All About Kids
Offers children aged between 7-11, who have experienced Domestic Violence, low self esteem, bullying, caring responsibilities, severe poverty amongst other things, residential activity and respite breaks.

To find out about holiday funds for seriously ill or disabled children or holidays for children and adults with special needs visit the Family Holiday Association list of charities.