With sunny days on the horizon, many of us will be thinking about where to go for our holiday. Staycationing in the UK is a winner when it comes to saving money by not buying flights and the trauma of hours at the airport. The New Forest on the south coast, where the climate tends to be mild, is a fantastic choice for a holiday in the UK. There are islands to explore, historic houses and stately homes, centuries-old castles, beautiful sandy beaches, exciting theme parks and more attractions than you could ever hope to fit into just one holiday.
It’s not always the case that it’s cheaper in Europe than in the UK. A staycation need not cost a lot of money, especially if you follow a few simple steps.
1. Peak times mean peak prices for families
If you can be flexible with dates, you’ll save money. For example, if you have school-age children, you may choose long weekends or midweek breaks instead of a week or ten-day holiday. In which case, make the most of school inset days or different regional school holidays and utilise them in your holiday dates. Find out how to wow your kids on holiday.
2. Love your friends and family – holiday with them!
It’s a known fact that staying in a hotel room is a lot pricier than self-catering. So, think about a holiday with more space, no set meal times or the bar closing before you’re ready to go to bed, and a cottage holiday sounds much more appealing. New Forest Cottages have more than 180 seaside apartments, huge family homes, converted barns, big, beautiful farmhouses and cute little cottages for two starting at just £320 for 7 nights. The thriftiest way to holiday in a lovely New Forest cottage is to gather friends and family and create happy memories at a lower cost. Try Furzey House in Minstead, which sleeps 10 guests and costs from just £118 per person for a week-long stay (that’s less than £17 pp pn). See New Forest Cottages’ large properties.
3. Use the New Forest Cottages discount card
You can save literally hundreds of pounds if you book your holiday with New Forest Cottages because once you do, you’ll be entitled to up to 20% off local attractions, experience providers, food and drink, spas, transport, shopping, and so much more.
4. Explore all the free things to see and do
The New Forest area and its wonderful coastline have loads of free things to do, from bike rides and picturesque walks alongside the famous ponies, deer, donkeys and cattle, to days swimming and building sandcastles on the award-winning beaches. Make picnics for a visit to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and Lepe Country Park. Turn detective and go geocaching or fossil hunting along the cliffs, and no matter what your age, an afternoon crabbing on the quay wall always brings a smile. Find out more free things to do in the New Forest.
5. Live like a local and cook at your cottage
With New Forest farmers and street markets every week, farm shops selling wholesome, local produce and ready-to-pop-in-the-oven meals – dining at home is far from a chore. And don’t forget to spark up the BBQ in a New Forest cottage garden and spend lazy days grilling away with a glass in hand while the dog, kids, partners, friends and family relax, play and natter around you.