Beach Cottages in Cornwall Six Top Ways to Cut The Cost of Self-Catering Holidays

Brits are flocking in their thousands to book beach cottages inCornwallthis summer. Partly for green reasons, flying being a no-no for environmentally responsible families. Partly becauseBritainis so beautiful. Partly because staycationing is a hot trend. And partly because, in a wobbly economy, it's often easier to keep expenses under control in your home country. Whatever the reason, there's plenty of ways to cut the cost of summer breaks to beach cottages, Cornwall or Scotland, Wales or the dramatic East coast of England. Here's six top tips.

One, eat in every other night rather than eating out every night. Spread the burden of cooking between you and eat simply – beans on toast or a barbecue and ice cream are just as cool as a full-on hot meal when you're busy, happy and on holiday.

Two, spend every other night in rather than going out. Get a few cans or bottles in cheap from the local off license, turn up the tunes and party in the garden. All the best coastal cottagesCornwalloffers come complete with your own private outdoor space. Or hit the sand for a late night beach party under the stars. Invite your neighbours or friendly families you've met who are also on holiday. Just make sure you clean up after yourselves and leave the beach looking pristine.

Three, do lots of free stuff. Cornwall is jam packed with fun, free things to do, from walking and hiking to street art and entertainment, nature, history, museums, music, ancient monuments, rock pools and geological formations, coastal paths and castles.

Four, take plenty of stuff along to entertain you. Traditional games are fun and they're much more inclusive than most computer games. Take your WEE along so everyone can join in. Or stick with stuff like packs or cards, giant Jenga, board games, art and craft materials, books, DVDs and music.

Five, make it a sociable occasion and make the most of your cottage, filling it up so the cost is split between as many people as possible. Some cottages sleep two to eight. Two is the expensive option but if you sleep the full eight you'll pay much less each.

Six, once you get there leave the car at your cottage and forgo driving for the duration. Petrol costs an absolute fortune at the moment, the county's roads are often far too crowded to make driving a pleasure, parking is never cheap and you'll do the environment a favour too.