Staying Local - Holidays in the UK

What image springs to mind when you think of the word 'holiday'?
Sun-kissed beaches in exotic locations?
A romantic weekend in a historic European city?
A weekend camping in picturesque woodlands?
Whatever your preference, there are a wide range of destinations and activities available for all ages - whether it's a quiet little bed and breakfast or a bustling holiday park.
But with the credit crunch putting a squeeze on our financial resources, many of us will most likely be putting the thought of jetting off on our holidays to the back of our minds. However, whilst you might not be able to afford to travel to exotic locations on the other side of the world, there's still plenty of destinations in the UK to explore and enjoy.
As a result of the credit crunch, many are now looking locally with regards to their holiday plans. With increases in the cost of air travel in recent times causing many to think of alternatives to travelling abroad. Tourism in the UK was usually dependent on visitors from outside the UK, with many tourists flocking to cities such as London and Edinburgh to discover more about the rich cultural history of Britain.
There are a wide variety of attractions around the UK that can make for a relaxing holiday, and offer a welcome alternative to package holidays and expensive air travel:
Holiday parks - usually located in coastal regions, popular with families due to the multitude of activities and entertainment on offer. Many of these will also offer late deals towards the end of the season, so it's never too late to enjoy a holiday for the whole family.
Activity holidays - popular with those seeking an adrenaline rush during their trips. Activities can vary depending on location, with some offering accommodation as part of package holidays.
Historical tours - allows you to explore cities that are steeped in history, many will offer open-topped buses with an audio guide, allowing you the chance to sit back and relax whilst you explore the city on your doorstep.
Stay local - research local attractions and events in your area in order to save money. If you want to keep the children entertained, consider a visit to a local zoo or other attractions closer to home.
When researching local attractions it can be worth picking up a few leaflets on local events from the supermarket and checking out the local paper in order to find an attraction to visit. You never know, you might just end up finding a hidden gem in your local area
By doing a little research into your local area during the planning of your holiday, you can uncover some local destinations that are fun for the whole family.