Start with layers. A coastal breeze can turn a warm afternoon cool within the hour, so pack at least one lightweight waterproof, a jumper or fleece for evenings, and swimwear for the days that do turn properly warm. Even in July and August, an evening walk along the front is usually cooler than you'd expect, so don't leave the extra layer at home on the assumption you won't need it.

Families with younger children often lean coastal, since a beach gives you a ready-made activity that needs very little planning: buckets, spades and a few hours, and everyone's entertained. Couples or those wanting a slower pace, or a base for cycling and walking rather than swimming, often prefer the countryside or Broads setting, where the pace of the Tingdene Holiday Parks UK matches the pace of the surroundings.

Finally, don't assume last-minute means limited facilities. A short break booked at short notice still comes with full access to whatever's on site, whether that's a pool, a clubhouse or coastal walking routes nearby. It simply means less choice over which specific unit you get, which for a quick, spontaneous trip is rarely the deciding factor anyway.

Ask about on-site facilities' actual opening hours and whether anything's seasonal. A pool that's only open during summer months, or a clubhouse with restricted evening hours outside peak season, changes what a break looks like considerably if you're travelling in spring or autumn.

Take these four in order, location, size, facilities, pet policy, and most first-time bookings come together quickly. Our own parks sit across a mix of coastal and quieter countryside settings, so whichever mood you're after for your break, there's usually a fit somewhere in the range.

Day to day, you'll be doing your own cooking and washing up, much as you would in a self-catering cottage, so it helps to bring a few kitchen basics like tea towels and washing-up liquid rather than assuming everything will be there. Bedding is usually provided, but it's worth checking your specific booking, since this varies park to park.