Holidaymakers looking to stay closer to home and take advantage of the dollar’s gains against the pound may want to consider visiting Newquay or Blackpool, United Kingdom, during their off-season to take advantage of lower bed-and-breakfast costs.

Low cost airlines fly to both locations from London’s Stansted Airport or both can be reached by car within six hours from Lakenheath.

Newquay’s sandy beaches, towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters make this coastline city on the Atlantic Ocean a terrific locale for surfing, sightseeing or just relaxing.

Towan beach is home to the Blue Reef Aquarium, where, even during the chilly winter, visitors can learn about local sea life. The aquarium boasts open-top tanks, underwater tunnels, a freshwater turtle creek, hands-on tide pools and a reef nursery as well as a cafe and gift shop. Be sure to visit the octopus enclosure where, according to www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk, a smart octopus can unscrew a jelly jar to get to the food inside.

Another stop on the agenda maybe the Newquay Zoo, complete with a Tarzan trail, adventure park, assault course and wildlife from around the world. Visitwww.newquayzoo. co.uk for information on opening times, admission fees and special events.

From Newquay, catch one of the green buses to the Eden Project, a green-theme park focusing on the interdependence of plants, people and places. With many biomes re-creating different climate conditions, a shop selling recycled crafts and organic foods, and art exhibits throughout, Eden has something for everyone.

Blackpool is a holiday option for families wanting a quick, action-packed vacation.

Start at Blackpool’s promenade and the Doctor Who Museum, which includes characters, costumes and props from the BBC series’ inception in 1963.

From there, head to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, where families can take in a 4-D cinema show, ride a roller coaster, enjoy some fine dining and even take in an ice skating performance. Visitors also can walk though the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum.

According to www.ripleysblackpool.com, exhibits in the two-story museum include a fertility statue, two-headed cow and figures made of salvaged junk.

Families will enjoy a visit to the Blackpool Zoo, home to more than 1,500 animals including elephants, lions, otters and kangaroos. The zoo also offers play areas, crafts, a cafe and a miniature railway.

Visit the Dinosaur Safari in the zoo to explore the dinosaur world. Thirty "dinosaurs" are on display, as well as spouting water geysers.

If time allows, visit the Blackpool Model Village with handcrafted models and figurines depicting everyday life or the Louis Tussauds Waxworks were tourists can mingle with politicians, royals and celebrities.