Getting DC out and about without spend a fortune

[RockyBirdy]

I've 3 young teens/tweens and just had a couple of gorgeous days in the Lakes, and took my neice & nephew. Despite staying in a youth hostel and mostly self catering it still was spendy!

Looking for other places to take them at Easter, not warm enough to camp so looking at a hostel or basic accommodation where we can go for a hike or explore.

It was fabulous seeing them enjoying themselves, and the simple pleasures of a game of cards, or a well deserved hot chocolate after a long walk...and not a computer in sight!

Any ideas?

Mid wales and Northumberland are usually pretty good for lower price holidays. They’re not quite on the main beaten track but still beautiful countryside for walks and exploring, particularly Northumberland coastline.

Both good calls!

I've been looking at North Wales, as its not too far, but I've always wanted to go to Northumberland, and you've just jogged my memory!

That got me thinking about a quick visit to Whitby as that would be a hit, with all the gothic connections.....however I just realised how bad my geography is, I was confusing it with Whitley Bay! Another trip perhaps.

I'm coming from Merseyside, so will check what the drive times are like.

Thank you.

Look at Boggle Hole YHA. Really nice place, straight onto the beach. Near Whitby and 1/2 mile from the lovely town Robin Hood’s Bay.

https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-boggle-hole

North Wales - hikes, castles, beaches

I find Lake District hostels expensive, after our first YHA trip to the Grasmere hotel, I found we could glamp for a comparable price. Glamping - nice private hut with some level of cooking options. Also since the Premier Inn in Keswick opened that is often a comparable price (maybe only if you book super early in school holidays), but the Lake District is a fabulous destination. In addition to Northumberland (which I love), also have a look at the Peak District and north Wales, both lovely areas, not an expert of the hostels in these area though.

What was most of the expense last time?

The hostel wasn't the cheapest, but had amazing location directly on the lake, its more like a self catering hotel, with ensuite bathroom, nice and modern inside.

Its just Ambleside is overpriced. The little bits add up. For example, we were sharing a bag of chips, and I got 6 chicken nuggets for my nephew as he doesn't like chips -£6! That's £1 a chicken nugget! I had a nice Warburtons loaf and half a pound of butter, in the car, and the chip buttys were divine! but I would have choked at £5 a chip barm x 5! Bad enough £13 for chips 6 nuggets and a carton of curry!

Yes I took most of our food and snacks which really helped, but stopping for a soft drink and ice-cream set me back £80.

We'll look at camping to keep the costs down in the warmer weather, but fancy getting them all away again much sooner, it was great to see them all active, and enjoying the simple things.