Holiday kitty running low? Try a ‘staycation’

In an unstable economic recession where Brits are getting very little for their pound abroad, flight prices are increasing and we’re all becoming a little more carbon-footprint savvy, there’s never been a better time to opt for a ‘staycation’, and holiday chez Blighty instead.

Staycations are the new way to holiday a la mode, and our beaches and woodlands are the place to be seen! Who wants to spend six precious hours of their holiday waiting in airport queues and cramped into an airline seat next to a complete stranger with body odour when they could be embracing the best our kingdom has to offer; afternoon teas, English beach boulevards, Scottish midges and all. And with Gordon Brown and David Cameron both opting to keep their feet firmly on British soil this summer, those glamorous ‘staycationers’ will be in good company.

And while the idea of dubious weather forecasts might not appeal to many, the increasing number of great value mini-breaks and activities on offer around the UK is something that should at least keep the debt collectors at bay- hotels, theme parks and tourist attractions alike are all offering great deals. Here we list the best of the great British getaways- and they won’t break the bank.

1. With bookings increasing by almost a third, the Camping and Caravanning Club is enjoying somewhat of a revival- and spokesperson John Dale is predicting “a boom year”. With job uncertainty and financial worry, no wonder the prospect of a nights stay at £20 for a family of four is so appealing! Stay at Loch Morlich, Aviemore in the Cairngorms and enjoy stunning scenery, water sports, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting. Families will love the local Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where little ones are encouraged to feed and stroke the reindeer, while the more active are sure to enjoy the nearby Landmark Forest Adventure Park, complete with nature trails, Adventure Land and a water-coaster.

2. If the more stereotypical British beach holiday is for you, nothing epitomises British Summer like Blackpool. Holiday makers are in for a real treat- donkeys on the beach, ice-cream, funfair rides and more, with local attractions such as Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterworld and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks sure to keep even the most fussy of children entertainet.

3. The Scottish Wildlife Trust www.swt.org.uk has over 120 reserves, numerous walking paths and three visitor centres across Scotland – best of all, most are free to enjoy! Spectacular places to visit range from the enigmatic Aberfoyle Bat Cave to the newly created Glen Mile Mountain Bike Trail in Cumbernauld, perfect for bike enthusiasts and families alike. And the fun doesn’t stop here- there are Wildlife Trust centres across England and Wales too, with special mention going to the Northumberland and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts, who promise to have a slew of events on from mini-beast hunting to boat dives and educational talks.

4. If retro is more your bag, you’ll be pleased to hear that more than four million Brits plan to flock to Butlins, Pontins, Haven and Center Parcs in search of a credit crunch friendly break. With activities ranging from indoor water parks to spa experiences, sporting activities to performances from X Factor stars and TV personalities, there’s something for everyone. The surprise revival has seen Pontins and Butlins experience a 20% and 15% rise in bookings respectively. Center Parcs is anticipating a record year too, with people booking much further in advance for July and August. Check out what’s on offer at www.centerparcs.co.uk, www.butlins.com, www.haven.com and www.pontins.com

5. For something completely different, take to the water and try a relaxing canal holiday, exploring the length and breadth of Britain as you do so! With over 4,000 miles of navigable canals and rivers to cruise the choice of routes is yours, and with prices starting at £300 for a couple and £500 for a family for a short break, there’ll be plenty of lolly left over to explore along the way! www.waterscape.com

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, and has since 2008 received over £606,000 in unrestricted funds from the organisation. 40p from every £2 ticket goes straight to Scotland’s charities, and all players are eligible for free entry to charging SWT reserves. Log onto www.swt.org and www.postcodelottery.com to find out more.