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From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?
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Has Halloween Become Too Expensive?

Last year my opinion on Halloween changed. What I once thought was consumerism at its finest was instead a fun night out. This year however I’m falling back into that original opinion.

I must admit I’m writing this before my Halloween night out begins so you might feel I’m not quite giving it a fair chance. I know I’ll enjoy the night out, that’s not the issue here. The issue is just how expensive Halloween now is. Once again, the doom and gloom of the cost-of-living crisis is showing its ugly head. Halloween costumes have never been cheap. Most basic ones at the costume shop were about £20 last year. This year they’re closer to £30. That’s already a huge chunk of money spent, and I’ve not even put the costume on yet.

Nightclubs will always raise their prices around Halloween. Its basic supply and demand. More people are more likely to go out over Halloween weekend so why wouldn’t the business try to make more money? Ticket prices, at least in Newcastle, are around £5 - £7 on average. This is just an entry to the club. This year I’ve seen most tickets be around £15 and even seen some higher than £20. Luckily life is sometimes who you know and not what you know so I managed to get a discount, but it still left my ticket price at £10.


So, I’ve not even made the club yet and I’m already £40 down. Not a single drink has been bought and already I’ve spent more than a weekly food shop. Drinks in nightclubs, especially on weekends, are almost not worth buying. They’re watered down and even then, they’re never the proper brands. Most students know this so will partake in every student's favourite past time… pre drinks! An average ‘pres’ before this year would cost you maybe £10 max. A small bottle of vodka would be max £7 for the local shop and then the mixer of your choice would be max £1.50. That’s not the case anymore. Even the cheapest bottle of vodka is around £10, the mixer will be under £2. We’re now on at least £50 and I’m still not at the club.

You can have plenty of pre-drinks but at some point, you’re still probably going to want a drink. A standard single vodka with lemonade or cola will set you back around £4 but with it being Halloween prices will no doubt rise. If you’re like me and don’t enjoy holding a drink in the club, you might be more inclined to purchase a Jager bomb. Problem with bombs is on their own they’re far too expensive but when you purchase 3, they sound more affordable. I always fall for this in clubs I have to admit. On average 3 bombs is about £10 but sometimes you’ll get 4 for £10. Now we’re on £60 and still quite early into the night.

It’s come to the end of the night, and you’ve managed to only purchase one drink or maybe a round in the club. You’re feeling hungry and fancy a takeaway. Best hope you’ve got some money left cause takeaways are very expensive nowadays. Anything you want will be once again around £10. If you want a pizza, you’ll be looking at even more. It’s time to go home. If you live close to the city centre, you’re lucky and will be able to walk home. I’ve walked back plenty of times, but it does take about an hour. A taxi takes about 10 minutes max. On a weekend that taxi will cost around £15 bringing the total cost of the night to around £80.

I think £80 is quite a reasonable estimate too. It can be done a bit cheaper, but it can also be done for a lot more money. The point is that it’s simply too much. I know going out isn’t an essential, I’m not for one minute trying to claim it is. But life, especially as a student, is also about having some fun. Halloween is one of these events that young people look forward to but when its going to cost me £50 minimum how can it be justified, especially when the actual price could be a lot more. Luckily, I can reuse a costume for last year but that still doesn’t stop the price of everything else being ludicrous.

The narrative that students go out all the time is complete rubbish, many of us can’t even afford the rent.


From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

17 April 2025

Paul Francis

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With Universal Studios bringing blockbuster magic to Bedfordshire, Britain’s holiday landscape may be on the brink of a transformation. But what does this mean for our beloved seaside resorts - and what’s next for the Great British getaway?


Blackpool Tower silhouette against an orange sunset over the sea, with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background, creating a serene, warm mood.

A Hollywood Blockbuster Comes to Bedfordshire

There’s a palpable buzz in the air. Universal Studios - famed for its cinematic experiences in Florida, Hollywood, and Japan - is set to open its first-ever theme park in the UK. Landing in Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, the project will be a game-changer not just for thrill-seekers, but for Britain’s entire domestic tourism economy.


Scheduled to open in 2031, the £multi-billion development promises immersive worlds based on James Bond, Paddington Bear, and possibly Middle-earth itself. While Harry Potter is off the table due to Warner Bros. exclusivity in nearby Leavesden, the resort will feature state-of-the-art attractions, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining districts, and a dedicated train station to ease the expected footfall.


With over 476 acres of space, it’s poised to become the largest theme park in Europe, creating more than 28,000 jobs and injecting an estimated £50 billion into the UK economy by 2055.


This isn’t just another amusement park - it’s the start of a shift in the UK’s holiday culture.


The Staycation Renaissance: A Market in Motion

Brits have always had a love-hate relationship with the staycation. But recent years, fuelled by climate anxiety, Brexit, the pandemic hangover, and now the cost-of-living crisis, have rekindled a nostalgic affection for home-grown holidays. According to ABTA, more than half of UK holidaymakers are opting for domestic trips, citing environmental concerns, affordability, and convenience.


In fact, UK holidaymakers are booking earlier than ever, with a 76% rise in early bookings for 2024. “Slowcations” are also booming - longer, more mindful breaks in places like Cornwall, Norfolk, and the Lake District. Many are even bypassing the peak summer rush and heading away in spring and autumn to find better value and quieter shores.


Seaside Resorts: Old Charm, New Challenges

As Universal’s cranes prepare to rise in Bedfordshire, the UK’s traditional holiday resorts face a fork in the road.


Brighton & Hove continues to thrive, topping Airbnb’s 2024 list for the most desirable UK staycation destinations. It’s a city that has mastered the art of reinvention - equal parts bohemian, beachy, and boutique.


Blackpool, despite years of economic struggle, still pulls in over 20 million annual visitors and contributes £1.7 billion to the local economy. With its piers, tower, and unapologetically retro charm, it holds a special place in the national psyche.


Yet not all resorts are riding the wave. Torquay, once the "Queen of the English Riviera", has struggled with declining footfall, tired infrastructure, and a high number of empty retail units. Others like Rhyl, Skegness, and Morecambe are engaged in long-term regeneration battles, hoping to reawaken their mid-century glory days.


A Tale of Two Futures?

The arrival of Universal Studios may signal a shift from nostalgia-fuelled, heritage-led tourism to blockbuster-based holidaymaking. But does this mean our seaside towns will fade into obscurity?


Not necessarily.


Instead, the smart money may lie in blending nostalgia with innovation. Towns that embrace sustainable tourism, cultural rejuvenation, and experiential travel are finding a new audience. Folkestone, for instance, is enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to investment in its creative arts scene and the restoration of its grand hotels.


Meanwhile, holidaymakers are increasingly mixing experiences - choosing a week in the countryside or coast followed by a short break at a theme park or city destination. The UK may be small, but it’s never been more varied in what it offers.


What It All Means for the Great British Holiday

The launch of Universal Studios in the UK isn’t a threat to our seaside heritage - it’s a catalyst. This is a reminder that domestic holidays can be aspirational, high-quality, and world-class.


But if Britain is entering a new golden age of holidays, it must be inclusive. That means investment not only in blockbuster destinations like Bedfordshire, but in places like Scarborough, Margate, and Weston-super-Mare. It means creating transport links that connect cities to coasts and supporting independent businesses that give these towns their soul.


Universal may bring the stars - but the heart of the Great British Holiday still beats by the sea.



Sidebar: Top 5 UK Staycation Trends to Watch

  1. Theme Park Tourism – Expect a boom in travel tied to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour.

  2. Slowcations & Wellness – Mindful travel to peaceful destinations like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads.

  3. Heritage Seaside Revival – Towns investing in regeneration, arts, and culture to attract new demographics.

  4. Eco-Conscious Travel – Low-carbon holidays, rail-based travel, and locally sourced stays.

  5. Activity Holidays – Sportcations, paddleboarding weekends, and cycling-friendly routes are on the rise.


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