Cross the Channel to northern France and self-catering is cheaper than Cornwall, even with ferry fares. A week’s stay at a simple cottage costs less than £700, including ferry crossings.
Paradigm House and Barn, near Keswick, are great bases from which to visit nearby Honister, which offers activities such as via ferrata, subterranean climbing and mine tours. £1,000 per week. For more information, visit Discover Paradigm.
The beautiful Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire has a child-friendly farm and play areas. Self-catering options include converted outhouses, barns and cosy cottages. The Barn at Heathy Lea has a private garden and barbecue. Cost from £985.
Explore unspoilt woodlands and river shores at the Kindrogan Field Studies Centre in Perthshire. A seven-night stay in a family room costs £560, including all meals and one outdoor activity, such as a bat walk or pond dipping, per night stayed.
Stay within walking distance of the sea at Trenow Cottage, a beautifully converted former cowshed tucked away in the pretty village of Perranuthnoe, near Penzance. It has a woodburning stove for cosy evenings in. £945 per week.
Get a taste of the good life by glamping in a roomy yurt in a quiet valley near Bergerac. We like Peaseblossom or Mustardseed. You’ll find fresh eggs and vegetables in the shared kitchen. Dover–Calais ferry crossing from £100. £600 per week.
Go for something a bit different and stay in Ges, a 1970s horse lorry that has been restored and fitted out in retro style. It’s located in a field near Chiddingfold. £945 per week.
The family-sized wigwams at the Pot-a-Doodle Do Wigwam Village near Berwick-upon-Tweed are close to the beach and have spectacular views of Holy Island. From £520 per week.
Toast marshmallows on the campfire and meet other families over a communal camp stew on Friday night when you stay at Billycan Camping, an eco-site near the town of Arundel and its castle. £400 per week for a 4m bell tent.
Nettlecombe Farm is nestled in scenic countryside near Whitwell and offers animal-feeding sessions for children. £765 for a week in Robin, a converted grain store.
Thanks to airbnb, you can now find self-catering apartments in central Paris for less than £500 for seven nights, even in peak season.
Splash in the shared pool at Domaine de la Dolce, a cluster of three holiday cottages in south-west France. Baby equipment is provided. Dover–Calais ferry from £100 return. From £670.
Stay in a wooden lodge near the soft-sand beach at Wells-next-the-Sea at Pinewoods Holiday Park, with a playground, miniature railway, trampolining and bike hire. £895.
Get away from it all by booking a family room at a five-star self-catering bunkhouse in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s an affordable base for exploring the area. £16 per person per night or £450 for the whole house.
Wood Cottage, in the grounds of the Llanunwas Estate in Solva, has spectacular views over St Bride’s Bay. It’s close to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. £978.
Grab a cheap flight to Amsterdam with easyJet, from £69 return, and enjoy a break on one of these houseboats. £390 per week.
You’ll find a Mongolian-style yurt to call your own at Meon Springs, near the South Downs Way. Hire bikes, go fishing, watch the cows being milked and light campfires. £875 per week.
Enjoy leisurely strolls and beautiful beaches in this picture-perfect Devon harbourside town. Helpful Holidays has a range of self-catering cottages. £911 per week.
Take a cheap Dover-Calais crossing (from £100 return) and head to Playa Joyel in Cantabria. From £350 per week. For more information, visit Alan Rogers.
Stay in a bow-top gypsy caravan or converted wagon at Bouncers Farm Campsite near Maldon. Walking and cycling is on the doorstep. £420 per week. For more information, visit Opera in the Orchard.