Editor's Choice: The Landmark Trust

The Landmark Trust (see Accommodation Information below) is a charity which restores historic buildings and lets them for holidays. Among the more unusual properties are Fort Clonque, a 19th-century coastal fort on Alderney in the Channel Islands, and The Pineapple, near Falkirk in Scotland, built in 1761 and featuring a pineapple-shaped roof.

These range from budget chain hotels to boutique city hotels to luxurious country manors. Hotels tend to be more expensive in large cities, especially London.

Grading: VisitBritain, the AA and RAC (as well as VisitWales and VisitScotland) have now agreed common standards for quality assessment. Hotels and guesthouses are classified by use of a star-rating system.

There are guest houses and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout the country.

Cottages and flats can be rented in many areas. For information, contact the local tourist board, or consult the relevant section in local and national papers.

There are camping and caravan sites throughout the UK, for short and long stays. Some sites hire out tents or caravans to those without their own equipment. Most sites offer basic facilities, while some have playgrounds, clubs, shops, phones and sports areas.

These offer accommodation, food and a full range of leisure activities generally at an all-inclusive price. They provide good holidays for families, and some run babysitting and children's clubs. Well-known names include Center Parcs (website: www.centerparcs.co.uk) and Butlins (website: www.butlinsonline.co.uk).

There are over 300 youth hostels in the UK. Standards vary greatly, from very basic night-time accommodation for hikers and cyclists, to modern hostels and motels which are often used by families and groups. Prices are very reasonable.

The Landmark Trust
Shottesbrooke, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3SW, UK
Tel: (01628) 825 925.
Website: www.landmarktrust.org.uk

Youth Hostel Association of England and Wales
Trevelyan House, Dimple Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3YH, UK
Tel: (01629) 592 700 or 0870 770 8868, UK only.
Website: www.yha.org.uk

VisitBritain's website has a comprehensive accommodation search facility (website: www.visitbritain.com).