Is the cottage break too high?Tracked the best bargains

Staycation began to sell like pancakes when the pandemic confused summer vacation.

Today, cottage breaks in Cornwall cost as much as a luxury trip to the Maldives.

So why not trade the cottage for an affordable hotel? Does breakfast often include it?

Sophie Swietochowski seeks out the best bargains.

Weekend stay in Caernarfon, Wales

The dramatic 13th-century castle attracts history lovers to this beautiful port city.

Poppy Cottage is a few minutes drive from the fortress, which is open to visitors all year round.

But the best spot on the waterfront is the Carnerbon Premier Inn.

Stay here and spend the money you can save on bike rentals from Beics Antur Bikes.

Cottage: Two nights of self-catering at Poppy Cottage starts at £ 602 for two nights on August 13. Please refer to. sykescottages.co.uk..

Hotel: A two-night B & B at the Premier Inn Caernarfon starts at £ 279.46.to see premierinn.com..

Bank Holiday Vacation in Inverness, Scotland

For years, tourists have come here to roam the mysterious ocean in search of Loch Ness Monster Nessie.

Located in the rugged countryside, The Cottage is close to riverside restaurants, galleries and theatres.

Get closer to the action and book the 4H Mercure Hotel overlooking the River Ness for a small fee.

Cottage: Self-catering for 3 nights at the cottage starts at £ 1,095 for 2 nights on August 27th. Please refer to. lastminute-cottages.co.uk..

Hotel: The 4H Mercure Hotel Inverness B & B Double costs £ 474.15.to see mercure.accor.com..

Couple withdraws in Cheshire’s Peak District

Head to the Peak District for a proper slice of the English countryside.

The beautiful Ollerenshaw Cottage is surrounded by secluded hillsides and has its own patio.

However, there is a green open space at the front door that allows you to leave the patio and head to Macclesfield’s Traveler.

A few minutes drive from the Peak District. Here you can rent a canal boat and enjoy views of the Pennines floating in the ocean.

Cottage: Self-catering for 7 nights at Ollerenshaw Cottage starts at £ 1,076 for two on August 15th. premiercottages.co.uk..

Hotel: A 7-night B & B at 1H Traveler Macclesfield Central starts at £ 320.43.to see travelodge.co.uk..

Weekend trip to New Forest in Hampshire

The pristine woodlands of New Forest National Park, adjacent to Southampton, are full of beautiful walkways.

The spacious Callan Court is located on a quiet high street in the park.

After 15 minutes of driving, you can cut costs in more than half at the Premier Inn in Southampton.

You still have attractions like the SeaCity Museum and City Art Gallery in addition to nature at your fingertips.

Cottage: Two nights of self-catering at the Callan Court Apartment starts at £ 927 for four people on August 27th. Holidaycottages.co.uk..

Hotel: Two nights at the Premier Inn Southampton City Center start at £ 245.46 in a family room with breakfast.to see premierinn.com..

Brighton August Bank Holiday

Narrow alleys dotted with pastel-colored houses and small shops selling local artwork give Brighton an eccentric reputation.

With top-notch restaurants, antique shops and long pebble beaches, you can spend your weekends busy at the quaint Crow Garden Cottage.

If you’re on a tight budget, head to the 3H Hotel Ibis near the coast, which serves a buffet breakfast.

Cottage: Self-catering for 3 nights at Crown Gardens Cottage starts at £ 1,618 for 4 nights on August 27th. Please refer to. lastminute-cottages.co.uk..

Hotel: Three nights with breakfast in a family room at Hotel ibis Brighton City Center starts at £ 752.80.to see ibis.accor.com..

A week’s break in the Lake District

Here, vacationers gather for mountain hikes and boat trips.

King Fisher Lodge is located by Lake Windermere.

Kendal is 9 miles south and is full of cafes and fine bakeries.

Here, there is a Traveler UK near the Castle of Siselle.

Cottage: Self-catering for 7 nights at King Fisher Lodge starts at £ 1,447 for 4 people on August 27th. To make a reservation, see. sykescottages.co.uk..

Hotel: Room for 7 nights-1H Traveler Kendall only, family room from £ 657.93.to see travelodge.co.uk..

Couple vacation to Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, has cobblestone streets and a lovely tea room.

Stables Cottage immerses you in village life.

But a pub, cake shop and museum in the immediate vicinity is also a great option.

Cottage: Self-catering for 7 nights at The Stables Cottage starts at £ 2,067.60 for two on August 19th. Please refer to. Luxurycottages.com..

Hotel: A 7-night B & B in the Traveler starts at £ 581.43.to see travelodge.co.uk..

7-day stay in Cornwall

With hundreds of sandy beaches, it’s no wonder Cornwall is sold out this summer. Cornwall is one of the best locations for  romantic weekend breaks with hot tub experience.

Newquay is a great spot for families and is still available in July and August, including 8 Pent One.

However, the Premier Inn at the nearby Wadebridge costs less than half.

Cottage: Self-catering for 7 nights at 8 Pent One starts at £ 3,842 for 4 people on August 13th. Please refer to. sykescottages.co.uk..

Hotel: A 7-night B & B at the Premier Inn Wadebridge starts at £ 1090.36 in a family room.to see premierinn.com..