Family Holidays for Less

While many people are struggling to find the right holiday abroad to fit the family budget, many are re-discovering the joy of the great British break, and planning summers in the rural English countryside once again. But how can this save you money?

Family Holidayshavenholidays / Foter.com / CC BY-ND

It’s certainly possible to go overboard and spend just as much as you might on a holiday overseas, but it’s not at all necessary, even with children in tow. Take a look at some of our top ways to make the budget last and still have an unforgettable holiday surrounded by nature.

Switch hotels for hostels

Hostels have come a long way since the English holiday was last fashionable, and you can now find fantastic family-friendly accommodation in the countryside at amazingly low prices. YHA hostels even offer private rooms for family breaks, so you don’t have to share a dorm with strangers. You’re more likely to meet other people on budget trips here too, so get chatting with other families for tips on what to do in the area.

Take bikes

If the family already has bicycles, it’s worth paying out for a bike rack to take them on holiday with you. The UK is covered with a network of footpaths and bridleways, so you’re bound to head off exploring for the day – having the bikes will allow you to go just that little bit further.

Join the National Trust

The National Trust owns hundreds of heritage sites and areas of natural beauty across the UK. A family ticket covers the price of one or two adults and means kids can go free, allowing you access to a huge number of attractions, including houses, gardens and animal centres. You’ll also get a map detailing the best parklands and coastal conservations areas, making it easier (or harder!) to decide where to go on holiday.

Learn and play

Do some research on your destination before you go to ensure that children can make the most of their surroundings – Robin Hood games are much more fun in Sherwood Forest! You can also make up nature trails and choose animals to spot, to get kids more engaged in walking trips. It’s easy to spend money when you don’t really know what’s available, so make sure you’re well prepared – consider printing off the relevant WikiTravel articles for quick and accessible information when you’re out and about.

Go Geocaching

If you have a smartphone, join the world’s biggest treasure hunt! Geocaching requires little more than a GPS system and a pen, although a cheap app will make it a lot easier if you have the budget for it. Users hide small containers with a logbook and sometimes small items, alongside a logbook for finders to sign. When you find one, you log it on the website. It’s a great way to go hunting around the countryside, and the beauty is that with millions of them to be found around the world, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be one nearby – check out the map to see just how many there are!