To ask for help finding a uk break

[yohohoandabottleofrum]

Just come back from a few days away in the UK. We can't afford to go abroad this year, hopefully something we can do next year instead. I desperately need something else to look forward to later in the year.

Don't really want to do Haven/butlins as their prices are ridiculous this year. Has to be during the school holidays so I know prices will be more expensive. We just stayed in a hotel for a few days and booked trips in the local area which the kids loved. Thinking something similar again but not sure what area to visit. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Kids are 4 and 6.

We've just booked three nights in Norfolk over the bank holiday weekend for £235. We went to Norfolk last year and glamped (Grange Farm)-kids loved it and it cost less than £300

We always use 2cholidays.co.uk for caravan holidays. You can book from any start date (so can do Tuesday to Thursday or Sunday to Wednesday etc) and with the code 15off it tends to come down to about £85-100 a night even in holidays.

We also book a fair bit through booking.com. Places like North Wales - we like Llandudno in particular - and Northumberland or West Norfolk (such as Hunstanton) are always cheaper than Cornwall or North Norfolk.

We camp or find last minute cheap hotels (premier inn type thing), it’s not luxury but it’s somewhere to sleep and sometimes a cheap breakfast. We tend to just do 2 nights away at a time. We like premier inn express in Exeter as it gives us access to Dartmoor, Devon and Cornwall, they also do a great all you can eat breakfast which saves buying too much food whilst out. We also like Stratford upon Avon travel premier inn.

Look up stayplayexplore. Really good value for money. Someone on here recommended it years ago and we’ve been on a few. Trips and hotel plus breakfast included in the price.

Where are you in the country? I have to travel to the other side to see my parents and it costs £100 in fuel each way. Negates the cheapness elsewhere.

Look at staying in Portsmouth. There’s a stony beach but it’s quite fun. Lots to do down there at all price points. You can do the Isle of Wight as a day trip in the car with Tesco vouchers and Hampshire Attractions usually has discounts on crossings and attractions. Or stay on the Island but you have to find a deal otherwise it’s quite pricey.

Need more info:

How will you be travelling? From where? How long do you want the journey to be? Seaside or countryside or city?

Premier Inn / Travelodge/ Ibis / Holiday Inn Express will typically be good value places to stay and are everywhere. Otherwise Airbnb or other private rentals can often be great value esp if a little way out of the chosen destination

We have been holidaying in the Peak District for the last 15 years. We love it. It tends to be a bit cheaper than say the Lakes. We started going as we thought it would be easier with babies/small kids to stay in the UK. As the kids have got older we’ve asked if they fancy abroad and they have categorically said no!

We normally stay near Matlock, though have stayed in other places. The reason we like it is because you’ve got Chesterfield 10 mins away in one direction so everything you need for self catering (all supermarkets etc), then 10 mins in other directions, you’ve got beautiful countryside and walks.

Matlock has Gulliver’s Kingdom which is a theme park for kids. Admittedly it’s quite tatty (or it was when we went) but the kids don’t care.

We do Alton Towers (twice each year) and their water park too, though I know that can be expensive so you don’t have to. We’ve done normal swimming in Chesterfield when it’s been raining. There are also parks in Chesterfield and Bakewell.

Give us a bit more info, how old are the DC, whereabouts can you get to?
If you are happy with caravans then UK.campsites website has a filter where you can screen for static caravans on smaller sites. Often much cheaper and nicer.

Sorry, just saw they are 4 and 6.
How about Gullivers Warrington? There is also a big splash land on site and it's not far from the motorway network, Blue planet aquarium and Chester zoo.

How far do you want to travel? What sort of accommodation?
The Isle of Wight is lovely for an old-fashioned family holiday - beaches, outdoor fun, animal attractions, ice cream etc. Lots of cottages, camping & caravan sites. And kids would enjoy the ferry trip.
But you have left it late, so would need to book promptly.

What is your budget? Where are you based? Do you drive?

I posted suggestions for Northern Ireland (North Co. Down) a while back, see here: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/craicnet/4763210-staycation-ideas

Good airport access, very affordable, lots of nice things to do!