Uk Holidays?

nikifm

Hi all
First thread I've started myself so hope it's alright!
My partner, myself and his 3yo son are looking for a cheap holiday somewhere in the UK this year but just don't know where to start!
I work as a TA in a school so we're limited really to school holidays (which instantly puts the prices up!), we also don't have a huge budget (saving up to move out, going away somewhere big next year fingers crossed) and a few other little bits and bobs.
So - does anyone know anywhere good/cheap/great for kids etcc? We did camping last year and because of the weather and the rather rubbish tent we bought brand new from Argos (whole other story!) my partner doesn't want to do that again for a couple of years!
Wait to hear some ideas and thanks!
Niki [=

darkdoodle

Hey,

I've recently been looking at places to visit in the UK this year as I'm interested in visiting some of great places here instead of going abroad. I began to get interested in Wales and found that the visitwales.co.uk site has loads of information for things to do with kids, recommended accommodation, places to eat and activities. Don't know if this could be a source of inspiration to you?

WestonDave

Not sure where you are in the country but experience suggests that in school holidays you will probably find cheaper going self catering via a private owner "cottage" than going for one of the big providers like Haven etc. The downside is that you won't get the onsite entertainment that those big places have.

However if you do your research carefully all is not lost. In some ways a 3 year old gives you plenty of flexibility other than the fact that you'll be tied to their bed times - give them a bit of beach and a spade and they'll amuse themselves, be happy with a new play park, happy to watch trains etc.

Certain areas are expensive such as South Devon and Cornwall - other places can be significantly cheaper. We had a 2 bed bungalow on Mumbles head a couple of years ago for around £500 in the school summer holidays (bear in mind that May half term would be a cheaper option). We had a similar place year before last in North Devon (Croyde Bay) which was a 15 minute walk from the beach but our then 4 year old managed that fine and in fact insisted on going the hard way over the dunes - he did sleep well! The other advantage here is that on the odd wet day you can use the indoor pool at the Haven Park at Ruda.

Having boys myself there is value in going somewhere where there are steam trains to watch - I know Swanage and Minehead both have steam railways and you can wander onto the platform to watch the trains without paying anything (obviously you do to have a ride but in most cases you can have a short ride fairly cheaply - save that for later in the week as a "look forward to"). In both locations when ours were young we've killed time most days just turning up when we knew trains would be coming in etc.

As for the camping - try what we did for the first few times - don't book it in advance - just wait for a good weather forecast for the coming weekend and phone round to find a spot. Camping in good weather with a little one can be very relaxing as the whole living thing becomes a "game" - taking things to wash up, going to the showers and finding new friends to play with all become entertainment.

daveyjp

It depends what you define as cheap, but we always find cottages which are reasonably priced in school holidays - £300-400 a week depending on location.

hethmar

Id have thought a decent caravan site would be suitable for you, but you must surely have some idea of area - bearing in mind petrol costs even?

KentMum

Book a few days in a Travelodge or Premier Inn when they are on special offer! The only problem is not having a fridge or kitchen. It is best overall to go for self catering accommodation then you can make your own meals and save cash. Butlins is great for kids and good value I think for a short break, but can be pricey for longer. You can self cater or have breakfast and dinner provided.

keigcf

You can rent a privately owned caravan on a Haven/park dean site which works out cheaper, or why not look at a campsite that may rent out a caravan?

flea72

We have always camped, but after last years horrendous weather decided this year we would try a static caravan. It's taken me weeks of searching, but I've managed to get two weeks in Somerset during August, for just over £600 (including utilities and entertainment passes)

Surprisingly this was through hoseasons, who I always thought were the expensive end of caravans, compared to haven and park. Even trying direct through owners and eBay, most wanted £800/wk, so to get 2 weeks for less than that I'm well chuffed

Also got cash back on top, so even more of a bargain

Charityworker

Just sent the OP a PM about my caravan near Great Yarmouth which is available for rent from £300 upwards for a week during the august school holidays.

craftynutters

Have you thought about doing a home exchange you may find others in your field of work who will be willing to swap homes for holidays

nikifm

I don't have my own home to rent out yet unfortunately! We both still live with our respective parents because our area where we're looking for places it very VERY expensive so having to look all the time for an affordable property!
Have had a look on HoSeasons (someone recommended) and found a holiday for a week on there for £300 (early booking savings) so may go for that! Have researched all the other ideas also but some are still pricey for the weeks that we're looking at. But thanks for all of those also!