A travel expert has revealed three nifty hacks on how to slash the price of a UK holiday cottage, and it could save families thousands.

Holiday cottages are a favourite among families looking to book a staycation during the summer holidays, as well as couples seeking an idyllic weekend escape. They offer a comfortable, private place to stay, flexibility with self-catering facilities, ample space, and the freedom to explore various locations across the UK.

There are hundreds of holiday cottages available to book in the UK, whether you're looking for a coastal escape, a getaway in the countryside, or accommodation just outside a major city. They can be more affordable than a hotel stay, but can still be pricey, particularly during the school holidays.

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In a bid to help holidaymakers save extra cash on their staycation, the founder of Beach Stays, Mark Hutchins, has shared some insider tips on how to really cut the cost of a UK holiday cottage. And it all comes down to where you search, when you book and when you stay.

"Most people book a beach cottage the same way they always have," Mark said. "They jump on a big platform, pick a week in August, and pay whatever it says. That's the most expensive way to do it, and it really doesn't have to be that way."

Firstly, Mark reveals that owners of holiday cottages can quietly discount their properties around six to eight weeks before the stay date, as they would rather earn some income than lose out completely. He noted that prices during this time, which he refers to as the "flexibility window", can be reduced by 20 to 30 per cent, compared to the same property booked months in advance.

"Most people assume 'last minute' means the good places are already gone," he explained. "Actually, some of the best properties sit unsold because the owners priced them for peak demand and haven't adjusted yet. That's the window. Most holidaymakers never even look."

He adds that the key is to seek help from specialist providers who work directly with property owners rather than large platforms, as they will have a better understanding of what's available and the prices. Mark said: "A specialist who knows the coast will tell you which properties have just dropped their price, which ones have a last-minute gap, and which ones are simply better value than anything the big platforms are showing you.

"That kind of knowledge is genuinely hard to find if you're just scrolling a big travel site results page."

Typically, August is one of the most expensive months to book, as demand for family trips is extremely high during the summer holidays. Mark outlined that booking a cottage in late May, September, or early October will be significantly lower than booking the same property in August.

While it might seem like the best time to lap up the British summer, Mark suggests that a trip to the coast is just as appealing during other months, and there won't be half as many crowds. "September on the Cornish coast is genuinely one of the best times to visit. The sea is as warm as it gets all year, the crowds have thinned out, and you're paying up to 30 per cent less for the same cottage you'd have paid a premium for three weeks earlier," the expert said.

"The people who get the best deals move their holiday two or three weeks either side of the school holidays. The properties are identical. The beaches are the same. The price is not."

Cornwall is one of the most popular coastal destinations in the UK, with thousands of holidaymakers flocking to the seaside retreat every summer. Yet, in a bid to avoid the crowds and peak prices, Mark suggests booking a holiday cottage in a quieter location.

He notes that West Wales and Northumberland are great options, both offering beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches, for a fraction of the price you'd pay for the same time in Cornwall. He said: "Cornwall is magnificent, and the popularity is completely understandable. But there are stretches of coastline in this country that are just as stunning, far less crowded, and meaningfully cheaper.

"Most people never consider them simply because they're less familiar. That's their loss, and the gain of anyone willing to look a little further."

Following his three key tips, Mark added: "None of this is complicated. It's just that the default, peak dates, big platform, famous destination, is so ingrained that most people never question it. Question it once, save a lot of money, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner."

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