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Bank holidays - without breaking the bank

Bank holidays provide a great opportunity to get away with the kids for a few days and make the most of some quality family time.

What's more, this year we've been really spoilt, courtesy of the extra-long four-day Bank Holiday weekend we had for the Diamond Jubilee festivities (2nd-5th June) - and it seems many of us Brits are packing our cases and taking a short breaks to celebrate.

According to a recent survey from budgeting bank account provider thinkmoney.co.uk, carried out by Opinium Research, almost 7.5 million UK adults (15%) planned a getaway over the Jubilee Bank Holiday. Almost 2.5 million of us planned to head abroad, while 5 million planned to take the option of a Great British holiday on our very own shores.

But with many households sticking closely to tight budgets in the current climate, how can you have all the fun of a family holiday in the UK without leaving a dent in the family finances?

If you're holidaying in the UK…
There's no reason why taking the family away for a few days - whether it's a trip to the seaside or an outdoor holiday in the countryside - has to cost a fortune. And what's more, you don't need to head to a far-flung destination to find exciting culture, fascinating history, beautiful landscapes and family-friendly attractions: you could find it all here in Britain.

With over 2 million people surveyed (40%) planning day trips or activities while holidaying on these shores for our bank holiday weekends, it's important to think about how you could fill your days without leaving your purse or wallet empty.

You could consider:

• Taking a trip to the beach. The British coastline offers some breathtaking sights - and doesn't cost a penny to enjoy besides a car or train journey. If you take a picnic hamper, some deck chairs and a few games, you shouldn't even need to spend any money while you're there, and building sandcastles alone is likely to keep the kids entertained for hours.
• Visiting a free museum or gallery. Here in the UK, we can boast of having a rich and varied history and cultural legacy - and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to enjoy it. Whether it's a science museum or a modern art exhibition, many of these attractions don't charge for admission (though it might be nice to leave a small donation), and can be educational as well as exciting.
• Going for a ramble through the countryside. From valleys and fells to mountains and lakes, the UK map is dotted with natural beauty spots that could be just a short journey away. Kids love exploring, and taking them on an outdoor adventure could give them a real chance to roam the great outdoors. Not to mention the fact you're almost guaranteed to get them to bed early - giving you a bit of time to enjoy the holiday too!

Whatever you choose to do over the holidays, with so much on offer to see and do in the UK you can be sure to have a great time without splashing the cash - and you won't even need your passport!