Tips for Finding Inexpensive Family Friendly Accommodations in Great Britain

By Kelly Herdrich, published Sep 24, 2007
Published Content: 198  Total Views: 151,047  Favorited By: 74 CPs
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Considering a trip to Great Britain with children, but not sure if you'll be able to find family friendly accommodations at a reasonable price? Thankfully, by preparing ahead and researching your trip and destination adequately, it is possible to locate inexpensive family friendly accommodation throughout Great Britain. Keep these simple tips in mind as you begin your planning in order to save money and find the perfect place for your family to stay while traveling overseas.

Book accommodations outside of major cities.
This tip is helpful whether or not you are traveling with children, because accommodations outside of major cities tend to be cheaper overall. In addition, for families, accommodations outside of the city will more likely have places to walk, green grass for children to play on, and a slower pace, which is a definite plus when you have young children. Even if travelers choose to forgo renting a car while in Great Britain, they can take advantage of the wonderful public transportation system and needn't miss out on nearby attractions.

Consider staying at a bed and breakfast or renting a self catering accommodation.
In the states many people simply head to Expedia or Travelocity and start looking for hotels. However, Great Britain is full of bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodations which are not only more cost-effective, but are often better for families with children. Many bed and breakfasts won't charge for young children, and some will offer a discount if you rent two rooms. By choosing a self catering accommodation, not only can children and adults each have their own bedrooms, but you will have a kitchen which will allow you to save money on meals. While hotels may have on-site gyms or pools, these frills will add exponentially to the cost of your stay. Nearby parks and exploring castle ruins can be just as entertaining for children.

Tips for Finding Inexpensive Family Friendly Accommodations in Great Britain

Need a place to stay? Try a B&B, like this one in Lochend, Scotland!

Credit: Marcus Herdrich

Copyright: Marcus Herdrich

Takeaways
  • Stay outside of major cities!
  • Consider a B&B or an apartment.
  • Contact properties directly in advance of booking.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
 
 
We rented an apartment last time - we needed to be within walking distance of the tube. It was A LOT smaller than we were use to but for 10 days it was fine. And I loved hearing Big Ben!

Posted on 10/03/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

 
Good info.

Posted on 09/26/2007 at 9:09:00 AM

 
B&B's are awesome! Usually when we go on vacation we stay in condos. It's more convenient for us as well as being cost effective. Great tips Kelly!

Posted on 09/25/2007 at 4:09:00 AM

 
Call me old fashioned, but I just sleep in a quiet alley.

Posted on 09/25/2007 at 12:09:00 AM

 
We rented a apartment on our last trip and it was great!

Posted on 09/24/2007 at 10:09:00 PM

 
Ditto, Sophie, regarding contacting properties directly. It always works for the best.

Posted on 09/24/2007 at 8:09:00 PM

 
How I would love to go there, those are great tips!

Posted on 09/24/2007 at 9:09:00 AM

 
Great article, Kelly. You're right that contacting properties directly is often a good way to go and to avoid the big cities. People always seem to want to head straight for London, but there is so much more to the UK than this one city and it's often cheaper elsewhere too, as you have discovered for yourself. Sophie

Posted on 09/24/2007 at 9:09:00 AM

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