Plan a short UK break online

When most people think of a holiday they think of sun, sand and, unfortunately, queuing at the airport.

Although it’s nice to go far away once in a while, a UK holiday can de-stress, save money and even help the environment.

Although it can be easily overlooked as a holiday destination, the UK has lots to offer.

Besides breathtaking scenery and miles of beautiful countryside, there are attractions to suit all the family ­ and even a proper English breakfast to start the day.

Better yet, when arranging a UK holiday there’s no need to book a package ­ why not put together a trip that’s personalised for you instead?

There are several websites that can help when planning a holiday in the UK, whether you’re looking for country hotels and cottages, beaches or adventurous sports. We’ll explain how to shop around and find the best deal on a UK holiday that’s perfect for you.

Stately roams
In a recent survey of UK internet users, research company Continental found that almost two-thirds planned to take a short break away from home.

Of these, more than four out of five planned to take this holiday in the UK. The company also found that nearly two-thirds of people believed that the UK had become a top holiday destination because of its scenery.

It’s hardly surprising, then, that over the past few years dozens of websites dedicated to UK holidays and attractions, from stately homes to nature reserves, have appeared on the internet.

The National Trust website is an excellent example. Not only does it give information about the stately homes that the organisation manages and events such as Heritage Days, it also allows people to arrange stays in accommodation and locations protected by the Trust.

Similarly, Enjoy England, the official tourist site for England, gives people wanting to travel around the UK a step-by-step guide to attractions. It can also locate accommodation, so those who know roughly where they want to stay can find hotels or bed-and-breakfast accommodation in the area.

Information Britain is another useful site. It holds records of more than 20,000 places to stay, ranging from cheap hostels to five-star hotels, and 20,000 attractions listed by town and subcategory.

For example, searching for ‘Bedford’ and clicking on Attractions will bring up a list of museums, castles and cathedrals in the county, along with opening times so you won’t turn up to find the gates closed. It also lists addresses for each attraction, making it easy to find accommodation nearby.