Hostel? It felt more like a hotel with its chandelier
GREAT Britain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world – and it is easy to forget there are many wonderful attractions right on your doorstep to be enjoyed without the expense of going abroad. There are also some unexpected ways you can cut the costs when holidaying in the UK.
The Youth Hostels Association has a reputation for offering cheap accommodation for weary walkers looking for a dormitory where they can dry their socks after a long day trudging in the rain. But over the past four years it has invested more than £25million in a bid to banish this outdated image – and transform spartan hostels into plush ‘poshtels’.
Helen Warner, 34, and husband Russell, 36, took children Finley, eight, and four-year-old Faye for a break at a new youth hostel opened in Brighton in November after a £1.2million refit of the old seafront Regency Hotel.
Trainee nurse Helen, from Chichester in West Sussex, says: ‘We walked through the door and there was a chandelier in the foyer – it certainly felt more hotel than hostel and there wasn’t a walker wearing a bobble hat in sight.’
She adds: ‘Although bunk beds are still used in many rooms the children seemed to love them. We had a private ensuite bathroom complete with roll-top bath. The family room cost just £85 a night.’
The Youth Hostel Association has more than 200 hostels in England and Wales with many of them recently revamped.
You do not need to be a member to enjoy Youth Hostel accommodation although it will save money by joining. Family membership is £25 a year and gives £3 off a night.
The national tourist agency VisitBritain – which works with regional tourist boards across the country – provides information on many national attractions.
Linked county websites such as VisitDevon offer advice on local things to do, places to stay plus details of any special offers.
You can also save money travelling by train if you do not have a car or want to avoid traffic jams.
A Family & Friends Railcard gives a third off regular fares for adults and 60 per cent off for under-16s travelling as a group.
A Two Together Railcard gives two named people a third off fares and a Senior Railcard has the same discount for those aged 60 or over.
All these railcards cost £30 a year.
There are also dozens of theatre and ‘2FOR1’ special day out offers available for train travellers, which can be found at the website DaysOutGuide.