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?

So this does require booking in advance but Butlins have some cracking deals.

In January we booked four nights at Butlins for June term time. Booked the most basic rooms (which are perfectly fine and close to everything on site) for £100, so £25per night for a family of four. This price included all the shows, swimming, fairground, and some activities.

We also added a meal plan which was another £200, it included all you can eat buffet style breakfast and evening meal (with hot and soft drinks) and we usually grabbed a piece of fruit or croissant from breakfast to have as a snack for lunch.

It's a great place for kids, and I enjoyed not having to cook :)

Travel lodge on a A road near the coast is always cheap.

We don't go anywhere in the school hols cause everywhere takes the mick. I check when the school inset days are and we might have a weekend at haven when they have a day off on a Monday or a Friday. I'm guessing you're after the school summer holidays though?

I've booked a caravan in Wales in early August, 7 nights, £560 for 5 adults and 2 children. That includes passes.

Have just checked Hostelling Scotland. Didn't realise how lovely some of them were. May consider a few nights away with the dog somewhere after looking into this option thanks to others making this suggestion on the thread.

To be fair, they're reducing the prices at the less popular times, rather than increase at popular times. It's supply and demand.

I don't know if you need school holidays, but look at half terms and around Easter. Sometimes when the term dates vary a bit, you can get a bargain week as the local kids are still in school.

Wow thank you all so much for your replies!

Loads to consider I really appreciate it.

It might be that we book for next year and pay it off slowly or look to go at the end of the 6 weeks like has been suggested.

We have really liked haven in the past so that's got a lot of appeal.

Thank you so much.

Every year my dc school has an inset day on a Friday and the following Monday. Quite a few people seemed to be taking advantage of it for a cheaper term time getaway. Obviously that's too late for this year, and no use if you work in education but its worth considering for next year.

YHA family rooms are a bit depressing..,
I'd look on hoseasons for cottages or lodges/caravans in Wales or lakes?

We often go to Scotland in the last couple of weeks of August, a caravan site somewhere. Their kids are back in school by then so it's their termtime and the prices are far cheaper than the equivalent in England or Wales.

I love a youth hostel. Amazing locations. Fab family rooms including families larger than 4. We also do bunk houses, bothys etc. Really good options.

And I much prefer it to a premier. More interesting buildings, better locations, better for larger families, more space. Often with a living area, kitchen.

I love glamping but it can be a lot for what it is.

Have you tried Brittany ferries? They do a great ferry+gite deal.