Discounted hotel rates

If you are looking for a luxurious break at a country house hotel in the Lake District or a chic town house 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.
• www.laterooms.co.uk
• www.hotels.com
• www.lastminute.com
For London also try www.visitlondon.com (www.visitlondon.com), the official visitor site for London, which gives a "best-price" guarantee on hotel prices.

Budget hotels

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. 
• www.travelodge.co.uk
• www.premierinn.co.uk
• www.hiexpress.co.uk

Stay in a city apartment

In most major cities you can find serviced apartments to rent for one night or longer. If you need more than one room this can work out cheaper than a hotel - and some have hotel style benefits such as internet access or reception facilities plus you can cook your own meals. If you choose an apartment within walking distance of the sights you want to visit you'll save time and money on public transport too. 
• www.sacoapartments.co.uk
• www.bridgestreet.com
• www.visitbritain.com

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 anything from a Scottish castle to a 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. 
• www.english-heritage.org.uk
• www.premiercottages.co.uk

Hostels

Stay in some glorious locations and meet other travellers of all ages and nationalities. You no longer have to be a member to use youth hostels though you will save money if you are. The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has the largest choice of hostels in England and Wales offering anything from fairly basic Camping Barns (around £10 per night) in the countryside, to private rooms in city centre locations (from £20 to around £34 per night in London).The Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) has over 70 hostels, from crofters cottages to castles in some remote locations (around £14) and in cities too (around £20). 
• www.hihostel.com
• www.yha.org.uk
• www.syha.org.uk
• www.reefsurflodge.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. 
• www.waterscape.com (www.waterscape.com/)

To search the UK's largest online directory of quality-accessed accommodation, go to www.visitbritain.com.my/accommodation.