Going away with the kids is something you look forward to all year – and you probably have to save all year for it too! With the price of accommodation, getting there, activities, and eating out, it can soon add up and end up costing you a small fortune.
But you don't want to go without your family holiday, and we don't blame you. Holidays are opportunities to get away from the stresses of daily life, discover new places, and embark on exciting adventures. That annual trip is where lifelong memories are made.
If you're feeling the pinch and looking to save the pennies on your next family break, YHA offers cheap accommodation for families across England and Wales.
Read on to discover some of the best cheap accommodation for families in the UK.
How to have a cheap holiday with the kids
Budget travel doesn't mean that you need to compromise on the experience. Just because you're spending less, it doesn't mean you won't have the best time – after all, it's about spending quality time together more than anything else.
One of the highest outlays for a family holiday is the accommodation, but luckily we've got a great solution to help cut the cost of that!
Come and stay in a hostel
You may not have considered staying in a hostel with your children before, but actually, it's the perfect budget accommodation for family holidays in the UK.
What do you think when you hear the word "hostel?" You're probably imagining uncomfortable beds in a shared room and having to pitch in with the chores? Although you can still book a bed in a dorm room (and we should add that our beds are beyond warm and cosy), all YHA's hostels offer private rooms where the whole family can stay together. Some of these rooms also feature their own en-suite bathrooms.
Hostel rooms nowadays are modern, clean, and comfortable, with everything you need (like comfy duvets and USB charge points) to get a great night's sleep. In fact, the only difference between a hostel room and a cheap hotel room is that you might not have some of the facilities you're used to, like a kettle or a TV in the room.
Oh, and the price, of course. Hostel rooms are generally cheaper than staying in hotels, without having to compromise on location. Private rooms at YHA are available from just £25 per night.
Try camping
If you don't mind a bit of setting up when you go away, then you can save even more money by bringing your own tent and camping at one of YHA's campsites. YHA has campsites in some of England and Wales's most beautiful areas, including Cornwall, the Lake District, and Pembrokeshire.
The novelty of camping is something that the kids will really enjoy. It feels like a real adventure in the great outdoors, with everyone having to pitch in to put up the tent and do the clearing up.
The big advantage to camping with YHA is that, as well as dedicated camping facilities, campers also have access to the hostel's facilities, including the social areas, showers, and self-catering kitchens. This means you can head inside to shelter if the weather is bad and you've got some extra space to make use of if you fancy cooking up a big meal.
Save money on eating out
Eating out is another significant outlay during your trip, especially if you're having to eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Add to this various ice cream and drink stops, and the spending can soon increase.
At YHA you can self-cater, bringing all your own food to prepare meals in our well-equipped kitchens. We have plenty of storage space, including fridges, freezers, and cupboards, plus everything you need to cook up some culinary delights, with equipment including ovens, microwaves, and pots and pans. This way, you don't end up spending any more than you would at home.
Some of our budget hostel favourites include a one-pot chilli, tuna pasta bake, and veggie stir fry. These are quick and easy to whip up, and you won't need to spend a fortune on ingredients.
If you don't fancy cooking on your holiday (after all, you need a break, too!), then head to one of YHA's licensed cafes or restaurants. Here, you can choose from reasonably priced meals, including burgers and pizzas, plus classics such as pie and mash and pesto pasta.
Not only are our meals affordable, but when you stay with us, kids eat for just £1 with a paying adult. You can take advantage of this for dinner and our all-you-can-eat breakfast.
Make the most of free things to do
Some tourist attractions charge expensive entrance fees, which soon add up if you have more than one child. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor things to do which don't cost a penny. Head out for a walk, explore local parks, and go wildlife-spotting for a wholesome afternoon in the fresh air.
Ask the staff at the hostel's reception as they'll be able to recommend some of the best free things to do in the area and can provide you with walking routes and maps. Some of our hostels are in designated Dark Skies areas and even have stargazing kits you can borrow.
Cheapest places for family holidays in the UK
Staying in the UK for your family holiday can save you a fortune before you've even started, and there is so much to explore in this country without jetting off overseas.
If you'd like a cheap holiday in the countryside, head to rural Wales. Many costs are lower in Wales than in the rest of the UK, and you can save money on costs like parking and meals out.
For a budget city break, try Liverpool or Bristol. These cities are smaller than London but still offer plenty to do, including free museums and lots of outdoor sights to wander around.
Alternatively, grab your buckets and spade and head to the seaside. Holidays in Cornwall give you access to hundreds of beautiful beaches and a milder climate than elsewhere in the country. It's a great alternative to going abroad, especially if you get great weather.
Best budget family holidays
If you're looking for a budget family holiday, here are some of our favourite locations to take the kids:
Cheap family holidays in the Lake District
The Lake District is like a giant playground for the kids! There's plenty of outdoor space for them to let off some steam and you can burn off some of their energy by taking them for some long hikes.
Try YHA Ambleside for some cheap family accommodation in the Lake District. This stylish hostel has a location that's unbeatable, right on the shores of Windermere, with stunning views over the lake. It's within walking distance of beautiful Ambleside, and there's easy access to a myriad of activities, including hiking, climbing, and water sports.
In the evenings, spend time together in our social spaces. Grab a board game and start a tournament that can last for the whole holiday! There's also free Wi-Fi in social spaces, so if you need to give the kids their tablets for five minutes, there's absolutely no judgement here…
Affordable getaways with the kids in London
Although London is a notoriously expensive place to live, there are over 100 free museums and attractions to visit and many affordable restaurants where you can eat out. And a stay at YHA London Thameside can really help to keep the costs down.
YHA London Thameside has a great location in Zone 2, right on the banks of the Thames. It's just a short walk through a lovely park to the nearest tube station at Canada Water, so you can be at all the Central London attractions within half an hour.
All of the bedrooms here have en-suite bathrooms, which are perfect for families, plus you can order some dinner (and a glass of wine for the parents!) in the café bar after a busy day of sightseeing.
Get away from it all in the Eryri National Park
If you've got a budding mountaineer in your ranks, then there's no better place for a family holiday than the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in Wales.
YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is a state-of-the-art accommodation base situated right at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The hostel has a famous past, which you can learn all about during your stay, and it's the perfect spot if you fancy taking your family to the top of the mountain.
When you get back to the hostel, relax in the cosy lounge and grab a drink from the licensed bar. If the weather's fine, you can sit outside and enjoy the mountain scenery surrounding you.
Eryri is an International Dark Sky Reserve, so if it's a clear night, grab a skywatching kit from reception and take the kids outside to see if they can spot a shooting star.
Keep costs down in Cornwall
A Cornish beach break is what family holiday dreams are made of. With mile upon mile of sandy beaches, gorgeous towns and villages to explore, and coastal paths to get your exercise in, there's so much to see and do in the county.
Try YHA Penzance for a peaceful break within easy reach of the Cornish coast. You've got so much to explore with the Isles of Scilly just a boat ride away, scenic walking routes from the door, and back at the hostel, there is plenty of outside space where kids can let off some steam while you relax or grab a bite to eat in the café.
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