Bargain BREAKS
Getting away doesn’t have to cost a fortune; we’ve searched the UK and Europe for getaways to suit every budget
Bunk up in a National Park
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is the perfect base for exploring the picturesque Peak District. With its Victorian architecture, cobblestone mews and 27 acres of parkland, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this budget hostel for a grand country hotel. Explore caverns, caves and castles on your doorstep, or take a trail up the impressive gritstone formation, Stanage Edge.
If you’ve got a penchant for pud, sample the region’s iconic jam-filled pastry in Bakewell and burn it all off with a walk along the popular Monsal Trail. After roving around the rolling hills, relax on a plush leather sofa in the hostel’s lounge area before retreating to one of the 36 newly refurbished rooms – many of which have en suites. ■ Shared dorms from £13 per person, per night. Private rooms sleep up to three people from £25 per night. Call 0345 371
9628 or visit www.yha.org.uk
Cosy up in a cottage
With an average hotel room costing £100 per night, breaks in the beautiful city of Edinburgh are notoriously expensive. But if you’re watching the pennies, Airbnb offers affordable accommodation with creature comforts for a fraction of the price. Pam’s
Cottage in Colinton Village is full of old-world charm and is a peaceful base to retire to after a day of exploration. Take a ten-minute bus journey into the heart of Edinburgh and swat up on your Scottish history at the 12th Century Edinburgh Castle. Or head west and meet meerkats, giant pandas and koala bears at the city’s spectacular zoo. If you’ve got a head for heights, take the trail to Arthur’s Seat and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the North Sea and beyond.
■ Double guest room from £35 per night. Visit www.airbnb.co.uk/ rooms/6027433
Sun, sea and sand – sorted!
Situated along the Costa Brava, Lloret De Mar is hailed as one of Spain’s best-value destinations, with 58 hours of sun per week, 29 miles of beach and an average water temperature of 23°C. If you’re seeking a fuss-free holiday, book a stay at the four-star Acapulco Hotel. It boasts a swimming pool and hot tub and is just a sixminute walk from the beach. Even in the height of summer, you can book a seven-night stay here for as a little at £266 per person – including flights and breakfast. If you like to combine relaxation with sightseeing, the vibrant seaside city of Barcelona is just one hour away by train.
■ Price based on a June stay with Easyjet Holidays. Call 0330 365 5000 or visit www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/
Camp the Cornish way
Few counties can compete with Cornwall’s outstanding natural beauty and award-winning attractions. If you enjoy being close to nature and sleeping under the stars, book a camping break at Meadow Lakes Holiday Park in St Austell. Set within 56 acres of beautiful meadows, woodlands and lakes, it offers a variety of camping accommodation to suit everyone. Plus, many of Cornwall’s best attractions are just a stone’s throw away.
Get lost in the horticultural oasis that is the Eden Project or bask on one of the many nearby golden beaches. For a day trip, visit Newquay – one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. Tuck into a portion of fish and chips as you watch boats sailing to and from the harbour on the turquoise waters.
■ Pitch a tent, tourer or motorhome at Meadow Lakes from £11.50 per night. Price includes bath, shower, WC and dishwashing facilities. Call 01726 882540 or visit www.meadow-lakes.co.uk
Carry on caravanning
You can’t beat Blackpool when it comes to fun and value for money. The award-winning Newton Hall Holiday Park offers a range of well-equipped holiday homes to suit all pockets. Its indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, flat green indoor bowling centre and fishing lake is sure to win over the whole family. For thrills and spills, Blackpool’s seafront is just a ten-minute drive away. But for something a little more gentile, the picture-postcard market town of Poulton-le-Fylde is a lovely spot to while away a day. ■ A 4-night stay in a static caravan, sleeping up to eight people costs £150. Visit www.static-caravan.co.uk