How to enjoy Britain on the cheap

Cheap accommodation
Travel Inn and Travelodge both provide nationwide budget family accommodation. With 300 locations, Travel Inn (starting at £45 per night for a family-sized room) offers free breakfasts for children. See www.travelinn.co.uk and www.travelodge.co.uk for more information.

Among a growing number of low-cost (but clean and friendly) backpackers' hostels is St. Christopher's Inn. Its latest location - in the centre of historic Bath - costs as little as £12 per night. Others can be found in London, Edinburgh and coastal resorts such as Brighton and Newquay. Visit www.st-christophers.co.uk for a full listing.

More than 60 British universities and colleges provide excellent budget accommodation. This is often in central locations and, thankfully, is plentiful during peak holiday periods when the students are away. Bed and Breakfasts costs from £14 per person per night (£20 for an en-suite room). Go to www.venuemasters.co.uk to find out more.