Accommodation

• Discounted hotel rates: If you are looking for a luxurious break at a country house hotel in the Lake District or a characterful townhouse hotel try a hotel booking agency website for some of the best last minute rates. Once you have found a good deal always check out the hotel's own website and compare prices — the hotel may have special deals that are not available elsewhere. Try www.laterooms.co.uk, www.hotels.com or www.lastminute.com
• Book a budget hotel: With hotel chains based in the cities and on major routes around the UK you can pay around £49 a night for two adults or a family of four sharing a room (children under 15 stay and eat for free). Booking ahead generally means you’ll get the best deals in popular towns and cities where prices can more than double at busy times. Try www.travelodge.co.uk, www.premierinn.co.uk or www.hiexpress.co.uk.
• Find a country cottage If you want to get to know an area of the UK, why not hire a cottage in the countryside and live as the locals do. Choose from a Scottish castle to a more modest thatched cottage in Devon. Bed linen is usually supplied and kitchens are fully equipped so all you will need is to visit the farm shop for fresh local produce. Short breaks are available (usually a three night minimum) though week long rentals are more typical in the British school holidays. Go to www.visitbritain.co.uk/accommodation/self-catering, www.english-heritage.org.uk and www.premiercottages.co.uk.
• Holiday in the Forest The Forestry Commission has 18 woodland sites around the country where you can camp, park your caravan or stay in a wood cabin. This year motor homes and pre-erected tents and even tree house cabins are on offer. Prices start from £109 for a three night short break in a cabin. www.forestholidays.co.uk
• Canals and waterways There are thousands of waterway miles to explore from the comfort of a holiday boat taking in the rural sights at a gentle pace through the UK. There are boat hire centres dotted all around the country from Shropshire to Loch Ness, so you can choose the area that appeals most and discover it in detail. Boat hire costs from around £200 per week per person and is great for families and groups who enjoy visiting canal side villages, pubs and restaurants, wildlife sites and museums. Visit www.waterscape.com.

• Coach and bus travel: National Express coach and bus routes cover the length and breadth of the country and fares are generally cheaper than standard rail fares. The earlier you book the more likely you are to find special fares. Visit www.nationalexpress.co.uk.
• Rail travel: Always book your journey in advance — it’s even worth buying the day before you travel to make savings on standard National Rail Fares. Fares are usually released for sale 12 weeks before travel so this is the best time to find a cheaper fare, though the ticket may be restricted to a specific day and time. Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.
• Oyster cards: In London this pay-as-you-go travel card caps your daily costs at the cheapest price available. You'll save on cash payments for individual journeys on the underground. Under-11s travel for free when travelling with an adult, 11-15 year olds need to purchase a Travelcard. Valid on the underground, buses, the DLR and some National Rail services in London and you can get reductions on river transport you can buy before you arrive in the UK from www.visitbritaindirect.com or www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster

• Sightseeing pass: The Great British Heritage Pass is the most comprehensive pass for entry to 580 attractions over four to 30 days and has some of the best reductions if you intend to pack in the sights. It also allows you to skip queues at busy locations such as Hampton Court or Warwick Castle. Find out more at www.britishheritagepass.com.
• Museums and Galleries: Many of the UK’s finest museums and art galleries have no entrance fee and entry is by voluntary donation. They include some of the best in London including the British Museum and the National Gallery, in York the National Railway Museum and National Museums in Cardiff and numerous Scottish museums too. For details of museums and exhibitions around the country go to www.culture24.org.uk.
• Theatre tickets for half-price: The tkts ticket booth in Leicester Square, London offers the best seats in the theatre at half the normal price. On the day of the performance you can check out the shows available and go along to the booth itself where you can buy tickets. www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/tkts
• National Gardens Scheme 3500 gardens open for charity throughout the year. If you are an enthusiastic gardener or inquisitive tourist this is an enjoyable way to visit privately owned gardens with an abundance of interesting and well grown plants and often meet with their owners and sample a cream tea too. www.ngs.org.uk