To think a holiday in England/ Wales is just not going to happen again?

[pinkypeppa]

We are very lucky I know as we are able to pay bills and feed the family.

However I was hoping we would be able to afford to go away in July or August for just a couple of nights even, but it doesn't look like it will happen.

We can't go camping for other reasons but even a hotel by the beach looks too expensive.

If anyone has suggestions please share we avoid the more popular places like Blackpool as prefer a quieter atmosphere.

We used to love haven but can't afford that as the prices seem to be so high.

What are others doing?

Bell tent at one of the YHA youth hostels. £100 a night for family of five plus dog.

What's your budget and how many of you are there?

I know you said you can't go camping but it's glamping, no setup, real beds and electrical hookup.

What's your budget?

if your flexible with dates and locations then keep an eye out for deals from the likes of Travelodge for a night or two

It's definitely more expensive than it used to be, so are holidays abroad so i guess sadly its just another thing moving further away from the grasp of many people. We go to Wales a lot, I absolutely love it! Try and avoid air b&vbs etc as they are harming local communities, but have secured some reasonably priced caravan holidays. My advice would be to book early, be flexible-ish on dates, do a food shop when you arrive and just eat out etc places you really want to, have a look at events in the area as some in the hols are free.

Premier Inn / Travelodge?

Travel to Scotland after Scottish schools Aurumn Term starts in mid August?

Home exchange via an agency, or swap with friends / family?

I second YHA. You can get family rooms, rather than sharing a dorm.

How many of you are there? Can you get to all parts of England and Wales? How much would you like to spend per night? People here are great at finding good deals if they know what they're looking for.

Weekend in Conwy, Wales

Conwy in Wales

Youth hostel are a lot nicer than they used to be.

(Ps, chose a random date and family of four)

You could go to YHA Snowdon ranger

Private rooms from £11.50 per night

Lots of brilliant things to see and do close by

Another vote for YHA, we used the one in Sheringham a few years ago and it was a great base. I've heard from friends that some hostels are more like boutique hotels. The YHA is a great option

I don't know what your budget is but I always try and save £200-300 to take my two away for a few days (we also have holidays as a whole family with DSC too)

I booked a shepherds hut which had a little kitchen and bunk beds etc for a few nights last year on air b n b. Once there we just played games /went to the beach etc so all our costs were very cheap.

This year it's a little air b n b flat in a seaside town. Again our activities when there will just be beach /arcades or pool if it's wet, and we'll self cater so no extra food costs really

We are also doing a holiday with staying with family, I realise we are very lucky to have that option!

Go to a caravan park - you can rent privately from owners and some of the parks are lovely

We find with caravan sites it's usually much cheaper to rent privately from owners (sites like UK caravan hire or direct holiday homes) with nicer caravans. You do need to watch out for needing to pay extra for passes to entertainment/ pool etc though if it's a haven type site, but if you just want to be near the sea you can do without the pass or go for a smaller, quieter site. That's what we are doing this year. Still much more expensive than it used to be, but much much cheaper then haven prices.

It really does depend on your budget, we managed for get 4 nights for under £300 in Cornwall, I didn’t think it was too bad considering it’s close to the summer holidays.

Home exchange. We've been doing it for about 8 years and it's been terrific.

We've booked an air bnb for NEXT summer, you get the odd good egg who doesn't put up prices in the summ4r holiday, got a 2 bed riverside lodge in Cornwall for £60 a night. No sodding chance this year.

What's your budget?

We went to Center parcs European a few weeks ago for practically half the price of uk one. Was bloody brilliant

We book a year ahead and pay it up although have had to go for 7 nights this year instead of 10 like normal because we just couldnt afford it. We also take the kids out of school for the last week of term which makes it cheaper.

This year we are staying at a caravan park in the new forest with a hot tub for just under £1000. Booked last July and paid it monthly. We will cook ourselves and go to the beach/use the park facilities/walk in the forest as days out are so expensive.

For 4 people the last weekend of the school holidays. Friday 1st September.

That's a Haven site by the way.

Definitely recommend Youth Hostel Association. Have stayed in many, city and coastal.
Sometimes in main building, sometimes in their preset up tents, once in a bell tent with stove (Ross on Wye) and once in an actual castle!
Excellent, and cheap if you book an oddment.
Have stayed at
York
Stratford
Cambridge
Liverpool
Conwy
Boggle Hole
New Forest
Exeter
Other Devon ones I can't remember
Littlehampton
Several in Wales, north and south
Borth
Aberystwyth
St David's I think is the castle? Border of Wales and England
Several in Derbyshire & Staffs
Ashbourne
Eyam
Leek?

Phone the helpline at Matlock, Derby's, and say what you're looking for.
Website is good too.

Sometimes they only have two nights, but do a multi stop with another one nearby.
Good luck! Report back!