Staycation Alternatives – 4 UK Holiday Ideas
Feeling the squeeze with your finances and in desperate need of a break away without it hitting your bank balance? We’re coming to the rescue with some great UK staycation alternatives to pricier travel abroad.
The idea of holidaying in the UK has built momentum over the previous 4 years due to the economic downturn we’ve all felt, with VisitEngland finding that, on average, 58% of the population took a short break in the UK in 2013.
If you’ve been put off previously due to the idea of a staycation being a week in a dreary, damp caravan, think again. With the rise in the number of people taking breaks (particularly shorter ones) in the UK, businesses have upped their game and are now offering some real treats at great value prices.
Experience a stay in a Tipi
Forget camping in a tiny tent and waking up with a wet face after sleeping too close to the sides, American Indian style tipis are popping up right across the UK. They offer the same experience of staying in the great outdoors, but with creature comforts, including comfortable beds for all.
You’ll need a sense of adventure though as it’s likely you’ll have a small walk to the toilet and shower facilities wherever you stay, but this is a small price to pay for the experience. The tipis come in various sizes with most catering for up to either 2 or 4 people – perfect for families as the kids will love it.
With prices in the £400 mark for a week’s holiday for 4 people, it’s great value compared to the price of a hotel and there aren’t any restrictions on how much luggage can be taken with you!
Forget the villa – book yourself a beautiful English cottage
If you really want to explore the English countryside, what better way is there than staying in a quaint English cottage.
The great thing about cottage holidays is that you can find one in just about any size, catering for party sizes from 2 to 12. This makes them great if you’re looking to holiday with friends and family as you have one cottage, rather than multiple hotel rooms or apartments.
Most of the booking companies specialise in specific regions across the UK, such as Coast & Country Cottages, which lists properties exclusively in North Devon. As an example of prices, you can get a cottage for up to 10 people (out of peak-season) for just £780 for the week – that’s just over £10 per person a night.
As the cottages are all set up for self-catering, you can also keep your food costs down and cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchens (yes, not just the microwave and sink that you’ll usually find in your holiday apartment).
Some excitement for the kids with a theme park break
If the kids are always nagging you for a trip to Disney, buy yourself some time by forgetting Orlando and staying right here in the UK.
The major UK theme parks including Alton Towers and Thorpe Park have got in on the staycation movement, offering more and more options to turn your theme park day trip into a mini-break.
Thorpe Breaks has been set up specially by Thorpe Park to offer bite-size breaks at it’s UK resort, offering 2 day stays from just £39.99 per person. This includes your accommodation in an en-suite room at the themed ‘Thorpe Shark’ hotel, entry to the park and all attractions plus heaps of extras including ‘First To Ride’ tickets and a hot breakfast to start your day.
A trip to the English Riviera (well seaside) with Butlins
Butlins is one of the oldest holiday camp companies in the UK, with a history dating back to 1936. In recent years the holiday camps have had major investment put in and now offer family-friendly entertainment all year-round.
They’re also damn-good value for money, with prices starting at around £170 for a 4 night break for 2 adults and 2 kids. BARGAIN! Every park has something different, whether it’s traditional fairground rides or indoor waterparks – all to make sure the kids are always kept busy so you get a chance to relax.
Not content with catering purely for families, Butlins has also launched ‘Butlins Live Music Weekends’, providing 3 nights of accommodation plus access to live performances from international acts – all set in beautiful seaside locations.
When it comes to accommodation, options range all the way up from a standard room to a fully equipped apartment.
Chris is the Editor of the Savvy Saver Magazine here at iLikeOffers.co.uk. With a keen eye for bargains, Chris helps to hunt down the biggest savings at stores across the UK and to bring you tips and advice on how to save money in your day-to-day life.