So I set about looking for something for February half term. of course with it being February a lot of the caravan sites aren't open and the hotels are pricey but that didn't stop me.
Yes we could have just had a couple of nights somewhere and had a biggie later in the year but who knows what 2015 will bring, and we'd like to get more use out of our tent this year (and maybe get a bigger one) so hopefully as weather improves we'll use that for our time away.
Hubby's work are a nightmare when it comes to signing off holiday and only agreed this weekend he could have the time off - but the Friday/ Sat/ Sun at the beginning not the end.
The next question was where to go. Initially I wanted to go to London but the outlay on that was extortionate so I sulked. I spent 2 days sulkily trawling the Internet and asking twitter for some inspiration.... then it struck.
We still have hubby's families Christmas presents here (don't ask) so lets kill 2 birds with 1 stone and go see them (but not for too long)..... that means a road trip to the Lake District (we've not been up there in about 2 years) and a trip to my old uni haunts and see how much everything has changed in 10 years.
Accommodation
Windermere was my prime first choice for accommodation and I was excited to see Park Resorts have taken over Fallbarrow holiday park. A caravan for 3 nights (13th-16th Feb) was available and priced at £274. Which I thought was quite reasonable. Even more reasonable was the fact I have a railcard and managed to get 50% off this making a 3 night stay just £137.
Cost Windermere: £137
Saved: £137
The next couple of day's weren't as easy. We needed a night in Penrith and then I fancied one in Carlisle to show the boys the castle. Fortunately both have budget hotel, unfortunately both seem to have sold all their really bargain rooms.
I ended up booked 1 night in Penrith Travelodge - £45 (ouch) and one in Carlisle Premier Inn (£39). I could technically have saved £4/5 on the Carlisle one by booking a Travelodge (a Premier Inn is comfier in our experience) or the Premier Inn further out (but was worth it to be in a more central location).
Cost Penrith - £45
Saved - £0
Cost Carlisle - £39
Saved - £0
Total cost for accommodation: £221.
Total saved: £137
Travel
We are really lucky in that before Christmas I wrote a feature on behalf of Transpennine Express and in return they are paying for our return tickets.
cost for open returns Sheffield - Windermere: £0
Saved: £75.50
Carlisle - Oxenholme (to pick up the Windermere train) on return leg: Advanced saver booked online for £5 (saving £15.35)
Cost Carlisle - Oxenholme: £5
Total Saved: £15.35
Granted we will have to pay bus travel on the days we are away (and I am dreading that as it is soo expensive) but I'll have to update on those costs.
Total travel cost: £5
Total saved: £90.85
Stay tuned for food, accommodation and travel updates as we go along - if you have any cost saving ideas (other than "google discount vouchers/ groupon etc") or own a business in one of the 3 areas (also Ambleside/ Keswick) and think you can help us have the best #BudgetHoliday possible please get in touch.
I imagine Park Resorts are paying for your caravan after that mention.
ReplyDeleteHi 'green-eyed' Anonymous,
DeleteNo they are not, I operate a full disclosure policy on my posts (as you'd know if you read them). I wish they did that would make the holiday even better value. I had a discount code that anyone with a Friends and Family railcard can obtain. If they would like to get in touch and pay for it I wouldn't object. :)
Just to make it clear Travelodge and Premier Inn are not paying for my stays either.
Thanks for stopping by,