Cottage break too expensive? We've tracked down the best bargain alternatives

WHEN the pandemic threw summer holidays into chaos, staycations started selling like hot cakes.

Now a cottage break in Cornwall costs as much as a luxury trip to the Maldives.

So why not swap that cottage for a budget hotel, often with breakfast included?

Sophie Swietochowski hunts down the best bargain alternatives.

Weekend stay in Caernarfon, Wales

A dramatic 13th-century castle draws history buffs to this pretty port town.

Poppy Cottage is a few minutes’ drive from the fortress, which is open to visitors year-round.

But nabbing a prime spot on the waterfront is the Caernarfon Premier Inn.

Stay here and splash the money you’d be saving on bike hire from Beics Antur Bikes.

THE COTTAGE: Two nights’ self-catering at Poppy Cottage is from £602, for two on August 13. See sykescottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Two nights’ B&B at Premier Inn Caernarfon is from £279.46. See premierinn.com.

Bank holiday break in Inverness, Scotland

For many years, tourists have come here to roam the wondrous waters in search of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.

Nestled in rugged countryside, The Cottage is close to riverside restaurants, galleries and a theatre.

Get closer to the action and book into the 4H Mercure Hotel overlooking the River Ness — at a fraction of the cost.

THE COTTAGE: Three nights’ self-catering at The Cottage is from £1,095 for two on August 27. See lastminute-cottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: The 4H Mercure Hotel Inverness has B&B doubles for £474.15. See mercure.accor.com.

Couples retreat in the Peak District, Cheshire

Head to the Peak District for a proper slice of British countryside.

The pretty Ollerenshaw Cottage is surrounded by secluded hillsides and has its own patio.

But with green open spaces on your doorstep, you can forgo the patio and head to the Travelodge in Macclesfield.

It’s a few minutes’ drive from the Peak District. Here you can hire a canal boat and take in views of the Pennines afloat.

THE COTTAGE: Seven nights’ self-catering at the Ollerenshaw Cottage is from £1,076 for two on August 15, premiercottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Seven nights’ B&B at the 1H Travelodge Macclesfield Central is from £320.43. See travelodge.co.uk.

Weekend trip to the New Forest, Hampshire

The unspoilt woodlands of New Forest National Park that border Southampton have lots of scenic walking routes.

Spacious Callan Court is on a quiet high street within the park.

If you drive for 15 minutes, you can more than halve your costs at the Premier Inn at Southampton.

You’ll still have nature at your fingertips plus attractions like the SeaCity Museum and city art gallery.

THE COTTAGE: Two nights’ self-catering at Callan Court Apartment is from £927 for four on August 27, holidaycottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Two nights at the Premier Inn Southampton City Centre is from £245.46 for a family room with breakfast. See premierinn.com.

August Bank holiday in Brighton

Narrow lanes dotted with pastel houses and tiny shops selling local artwork have given Brighton its quirky reputation.

With top-notch restaurants, antique shops and a long pebble beach, there’ll be plenty to keep you busy during a weekend at quaint Crow Gardens cottage.

If on a budget, head to the 3H Hotel Ibis near the seafront which has a buffet breakfast.

THE COTTAGE: Three nights’ self-catering at Crown Gardens cottage is from £1,618 for four on August 27. See lastminute-cottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Three nights in a family room at Hotel Ibis Brighton City Centre with breakfast is from £752.80. See ibis.accor.com.

Week-long break in the Lake District

Mountain hikes and boat trips draw holidaymakers here.

Kingfisher Lodge is by Lake Windermere.

Nine miles south is Kendal, filled with cafes and posh bakeries.

Here you’ll find a Travelodge near Sizergh Castle.

THE COTTAGE: Seven nights’ self-catering at Kingfisher Lodge is from £1,447 for four on August 27. To book, see sykescottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Seven nights’ room-only at 1H Travelodge Kendal is from £657.93 for a family room. See travelodge.co.uk.

Couples getaway to Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon has cobbled streets and dainty tea rooms.

Stables Cottage will leave you feeling immersed in village life.

But with pubs, cake shops and museums on its doorstep, the Travelodge is a great option too.

THE COTTAGE: Seven nights’ self-catering at The Stables Cottage is from £2,067.60 for two on August 19.  See luxurycottages.com.

THE HOTEL: Seven nights’ B&B at the Travelodge is from £581.43. See travelodge.co.uk.

Seven-day staycation in Cornwall

With hundreds of sandy beaches, it’s no wonder Cornwall is a sell-out this summer.

Newquay is a great spot for families and there is still availability for July and August, including 8 Pentowan.

But the Premier Inn in nearby Wadebridge is less than half the cost.

THE COTTAGE: Seven nights’ self-catering at 8 Pentowan is from £3,842 for four on August 13. See sykescottages.co.uk.

THE HOTEL: Seven nights’ B&B at the Premier Inn Wadebridge is from £1090.36 in a family room. See premierinn.com.

Source: Read Full Article