There can be no denying that roaming around the UK on holiday can be intensely rewarding. Having the freedom to explore all the different regions of the country is incredibly liberating and it is easy to find wonderfully well-equipped accommodation.

Excellent transport links make it especially easy to get out and about in the UK, but arguably the most important factor into making any trip a success is the accommodation. Stopping in a soulless hotel can prove both costly and massively underwhelming, depending on the size of the travelling party. It could ultimately determine whether or not you return to a certain area ever again or even head abroad the next time it comes to booking a holiday.

Renting a cottage, though, will enhance rather than undermine the whole holiday experience and in the UK we’re fortunate to have a diverse range of charismatic and enchanting cottages in every possible hamlet, town or village you can think of.

Probably the biggest advantage of staying in a cottage is the intimacy and privacy that you and your family members and friends will be afforded. If a big group stays in a hotel, usually you’ll be separated on different floors and you’re then basically paying for a basic bed in a basic room.

A cottage comes complete with all your usual home comforts and will make you feel like part of the local community. You’ll feel more relaxed as a result and that bit of extra space and ability to come and go as you please should make all the difference.

Then there is the choice on offer the length and breadth of the UK. For instance, there are cottages in Wales, cottages in Yorkshire and cottages in Northumberland that will all be very unique in their own way. The scenic backdrops and range of activities available locally will also be vastly different.

In Wales, you may fancy tackling Snowdonia. And what better way to round off a day walking up the biggest mountain in Wales than enjoying a home-cooked meal in a picturesque cottage with your loved ones around you?
Head to Yorkshire and the lure of the excellent shopping available in Leeds or York could be too strong. With aching feet and empty pockets, you’ll be glad of a quiet night in sat in front of a roaring fire in a country cottage. And after checking out all the historic sites in abundance in Northumberland, like Hadrian’s Wall, you can make your own home from home in a rustic cottage.

No matter where you fancy staying in the UK or what time of the year you want to get away, there is bound to be a cottage nearby to satisfy your every need.

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A weekend in Blackpool is certainly worth consideration when searching for short breaks this year. From famous attractions such as Blackpool Tower to amazing museums and top-quality theatrical performances in the evening, you may be hard pressed to fit everything there is on offer in a single break! And while the seaside town attracts more visitors during the summer – when the weather tends to be best – there is plenty for you to see and do here over the course of a weekend whatever time of year you visit. Perhaps the most famous iconic attraction is Blackpool Tower, which stands at 518 ft tall and can be seen for miles around.

The ballroom found at the structure’s base has been used for dances for many years and while you can sit back with a cup of tea and watch other people perform, you may be inclined to get up and dance yourself! Young children are sure to love the circus show which also takes place in the tower before having fun in the Jungle Jim’s indoor adventure playground.

You can pay to enter these attractions separately, although if you are planning on visiting all three you can save money by buying a multi-use pass. Admission for both adults and children is £12 each, although a family ticket – for two adults and two children – is £36. A trip to the Pleasure Beach theme park is sure to go down well with people of all ages on holiday in Blackpool. With more than 125 attractions and rides, including the Pepsi Max Big One – one of the biggest rollercoasters in Europe – there will be something to satisfy everyone.

You may also want to visit the resort at night, when a range of captivating stage shows take place. Some of these are only suitable for adults so it may be a good idea to check in advance if children can watch them.

If you’re looking for a little culture during a weekend break you’ll be in the right place when you come to Blackpool. The Grundy Art Gallery, which was built in 1908, hosts a range of temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Alternatively, why not go for a walk through the 390-acre Stanley Park? Here you can see stunning Italian gardens and the Cocker Tower, which was built in tribute to Blackpool’s first mayor Dr William Cocker.

There is nothing like a sunny afternoon in Blackpool, so be sure to head to the beach during your break. Of course you can lie back on the sand, munch on some Blackpool rock and just chill out but any children in your group may also enjoy going on a traditional donkey ride.

But while there are lots of things to see and do during the day, don’t think that the fun ends as soon as the sun goes down. Heading to one of Blackpool’s many restaurants will give you the chance to try everything from Lancashire hotpot to gourmet Asian cuisine and if you want to make a real night of it visit some of the town’s lively bars and clubs.

The 1,100-seater Grand Theatre hosts a range of performances all year round, from stand-up comedy to musicals, with some of the biggest names in entertainment taking to the stage.

During the autumn, millions flock to the town to see the famous Blackpool Illuminations where the streets are lit up. This time of year may see the vast number of Blackpool hotels fully booked, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Whenever you decide to visit, you can be sure there will be lots for you to see and do on a holiday to Blackpool.

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So, you have three days in London. What is the most productive way to see and enjoy what the capital has to offer?

Where to stay
Staying in London accommodation gives you the greatest range of options, with regards to locations. It might be a valid alternative to a hotel outside of the city, although more expensive, if you want to have a sense of ‘living’ in the city and will provide a welcome contrast to the electric pace of life that you will encounter here.

For a short stay, some of the best locations for staying in London are Hyde Park executive apartments, Kensington hotels, Westminster guesthouses or Bloomsbury lodges.

Travel
Get a London travel card for the areas (zones) that you will need to go through. London transport is subsidised and you can use a travel card for both underground trains (the ‘Tube’) and buses. Avoid travelling during rush hours if at all possible.

Day 1
Whichever City Apartments London you stayed at, you could begin your stay in London at the Palace of Westminster, the building that houses ‘Big Ben’ and the Houses of Parliament, where the British government presides over the world’s oldest functioning democracy.
Hop on the tube to Charring Cross and you will emerge to see Lord Nelson’s column at Trafalgar Square. While you are here, visit the National Gallery.

Like all public galleries and museums in London, it has free admission.

Buckingham Palace is only a pleasant walk away. At certain times of day, you will be able to watch the Changing of the Guard, when the soldiers watching over Buckingham Palace are relieved of duty to great pomp and ceremony.
Finish your day unwinding at Covent Garden, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars, along with street entertainers.

Day 2
You may wish to take advantage of some of London’s fine museums. Travel to Museum Row to visit the London Science Museum, which is full of interactive activities for children, as well as adults. There is also the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. A tube ride away, the National Museum has a world-class collection of articles from antiquity, much of it ‘borrowed’ from places such as Egypt during the time of the British Empire.
From Museum Row, you can travel to Harrods, the world’s most famous department store. You could end the day by watching a concert at the Royal Albert Hall nearby.

Day 3
Today, you might consider a guided bus tour to the east of Westminster, towards London Bridge and the ‘Square Mile’. You will see a mixture of old and new, in the area where most of the city’s big business is carried out.
‘Blue Badge’ guides are accredited to give tours in the capital and they have a wealth of knowledge. Your guide will tell you the grizzly true stories of Sweeny Todd and Jack the Ripper.

You can end your trip in style with a ride on the London Eye, the tallest Ferris wheel in the western hemisphere. From this grandstand, you can see the vastness of London. See how many places you can recognise from the previous three days.

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Now that the cost of living has become a little less forgiving on our purse strings, we’re left with many people feeling as though a holiday in one of the many luxury hotels is the last thing they’ll be paying out for.

This really shouldn’t be the case, though. There are ways to take that ideal holiday whether this is as a couple, with friends or as a family, and not break the bank or have to remortgage the house.

Life can be hard with all your day-to-day responsibilities, so going to a high street travel agent can seem much more appealing. If you take the time to browse the deals, you will most certainly find a holiday within your price range. You will surprise yourself when you see that you don’t necessarily have to stay in a cheap backstreet B&B to get out of the country. It might take time, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the end!

What’s even better is that despite flight prices increasing, you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your accommodation just to be able to get to your destination. To really make a saving, have a go at making some changes to your requirements.

If you normally go all inclusive, look at half board. If you’re going to a foreign country, attempt to learn some of the local language. It will make buying lunch easier and you’ll find yourself having a lot more fun than you would expect. Even getting the kids involved will be entertaining. You’ll find the locals having a lot more time for you and even if you don’t get the lingo right, they’ll appreciate the effort.

We’re not, of course, going to leave you guessing on places to look for your holiday. Below are a few examples of holiday destinations, which you’ll be surprised to see are accessible to those without a disposable income.

New York. Everything about this place screams ‘expensive’. The Big Apple has plenty of luxury hotels to put you up; however, simply walking down the bustling streets in the city and gazing at the electric lights of Time Square is free! You’re open to roam this popular destination as you wish; after all, there is no charge for sightseeing from afar.

Many of the tourist attractions are quite costly. The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and boat rides will all dip into your wallet, unforgettable though they are. So, take a look at holiday guides before you leave and plan ahead to get the best deals and avoid disappointment.

Ever considered getting away to Paris? Again there is so much to see from simply walking down the streets of what is arguably the most romantic city in the world. Possibly not the best for a family holiday but many weekend breaks here have been found to be a bargain.

Strolling around the Eiffel Tower, looking at the Notre Dame from afar and peering at the Bastille all cost nothing. It’s up to you to decide whether to pay for the closer experience.

Spain has always been a popular family destination. Torremolinos and Benalmadena in the Costa del Sol are both sun-drenched most of the year, and even when it rains the temperature is still mild. Taking walks along the promenades are free, the buses are cheap and cost the same price regardless of your length of journey.

There are the typical tourist attractions and all the hotels have great sea views, close to everything. Although by taking your time to research the area, you will find bargains if you’re willing to give up the beach on your hotel doorstep. The Spanish are exotic people who always encourage the tourists to try anything. So, why not give it a go?

A common misconception is that Europe is always going to be cheaper for us Brits. But if you set aside some time for yourself to have a good look online at what you can get, you will see that even some places in America are affordable and won’t leave you paying it off for years to come.

Destinations such as Dubai can offer you a holiday of a lifetime that won’t leave you paying for a lifetime. So, even though it seems to be a simpler option to just stroll into your local travel agent and take what they show you, it pays to spend time browsing what other locations can offer.

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