With many of us having to tighten our purse strings, I'm frequently asked for advice from families and couples on cheap cottages for a holiday in the UK. After all cheap cottages offer great value for money at any time of the year, and will often provide a surprising level of comfort and facilities.

As many people reconsider their holiday budget they begin to appreciate the benefits of staying closer to home. Cottages can offer an excellent holiday break and it's surprising to see that sometimes seemingly luxurious accommodation in the UK can work out far cheaper than a modest property overseas.

For me, it is always important to consider what emphasis you want to place on your accommodation. Spending a little less by renting a cheap cottage will leave more of your holiday budget to enjoy on days out, whether it is something as simple as more treats for the children, dining out or affording the admission costs to places and attractions you really want to visit.

If you tend to spend most of your holiday out and about, you may be more likely to consider a cottage as somewhere to come back to in the evening to sleep. As a result some of those little extras that catch your eye at the time of booking and seem a good idea may, in reality, never get used. Cheap cottages tend to limit these extras.

More often than not a larger cottage will work out cheaper per head than a smaller one. Taking along granny and granddad or holidaying with friends has many benefits including shared child minding, opportunities for going off and doing different things rather than altogether and hopefully enjoyable company to make it a holiday to remember - not to mention sharing the cost!

Of course, if you can travel outside of school holidays you can find even more cheap cottages, the consequence of simple economics of supply and demand. Interestingly, many owners are offering short breaks over the long holiday weekend of the royal wedding on the Friday after Easter followed on the Monday by the May Day bank holiday at much lower rates than the actual Easter weekend.

Most people will drive to their holiday cottage but as petrol prices continue to rise, it may be worth considering a cottage where you do not have to use your car as much whilst on holiday - how about a property in a small country town with all facilities at hand, or stay closer to home - you'll be pleasantly surprised to find some interesting and different places only a couple of hours drive from where you live.

Out of our vast collection of properties I have selected some cheap cottages across the UK, but especially in some of the more popular destinations.

Cheap cottages in Cornwall
Hilltop is a cottage for two within easy reach of the north coast's rugged grandeur. It is just 3 miles from Trebarwith Strand beach and only a few minutes by car from Boscastle and Tintagel.

Cheap cottages in Devon
The Old Granary is a three bedroomed cottage for six on the North Devon coast, just three miles from the quaint village and fine beach of Bucks Mills. It is just a few minutes' drive from the picturesque village of Clovelly, where donkeys and sledges provide the only transport on cobbled streets leading to its pretty harbour, whilst nearby, Bude's sandy beaches are great for families and surfers.

Cheap cottages in Lake District
Rockdene is a one bedroomed cottage situated at the heart of the elegant and sedate seaside resort town of Grange-over-Sands overlooking Morecambe Bay, just seven miles from Lake Windermere. The Edwardian town still retains the gentility and atmosphere of a seaside resort of the period. The attractive seaside promenade offers a delightful traffic-free walk for 1.5 miles along the shore of the bay. Its parks and gardens are amongst the finest on the Cumbrian coast with ornamental gardens and a man-made lake creating a Victorian style atmosphere.

Cheap cottages in Wales
Game Keepers is a one bedroomed cottage located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and in stunning countryside. Nearby Llangadog (3 miles) is a charming village with pubs and eateries. Close by is the spectacular Red Kite Feeding Centre and buzzards also abound. Salmon, Sewin and Trout are found in the crystal clear waters of the rivers and mountain streams; the area is idyllic for walking, cycling, bird watching, and fishing.

Cheap cottages in Scotland
Wellside Cottage is a two bedroomed cottage for four on the Fife coast. It is situated in the former fishing village of Aberdour, now a popular and attractive settlement nestling around the town’s two beaches - one a Blue Flag Award winner - and natural harbour.

Below are a few other cheap cottages you may wish to consider.

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