onsider alternatives to Devon and Cornwall. Holidaylettings.co.uk provides owners with guidance on average rental rates for properties in various parts of the country. For a two-bedroom property in August, rates in the West Country are by far the costliest of any of the major UK holiday areas - more than 20 per cent higher than Pembrokeshire (which has beaches that are just as good), 30 per cent more than Yorkshire and 40 per cent dearer than the Scottish Highlands.
- Want the West Country for less? Head for inland North Devon, which is less gentrified than the south of the county.
- Consider alternatives to the Lake District. Accommodation is cheaper in less popular national parks. You can find characterful two-bedroom cottages for a week in August in the Brecon Beacons for less than ?400 - in the Lake District, they cost more than ?500.
- Turn to regional agencies. As a rule, their rental rates are lower than those charged by the big national agencies.
- Or book direct. All agencies take sizeable commission fees from owners, which can bump up rental prices. Bear in mind, however, that booking direct is riskier - good agencies are selective about what accommodation they take on and carry out regular inspections.
- Compare prices for different weeks. It's not just that rentals during school-term time are much cheaper - some school holiday weeks cost less than other school holiday weeks.
For example, some agencies and owners charge a little less for the last week in August than for other August weeks, and May half-term rentals can cost 25 per cent less than August ones. (I found plenty of availability over half term with many of the agencies I've recommended above.)
Check the late-availability sections you'll find on agencies' websites. Rates for last-minute bookings are often discounted, typically by ten to 25 per cent.
