Call for cheaper UK holidays as week in Barcelona costs less than Blackpool

But if you really want to save your pennies, try Barcelona instead.

A one-week holiday in the majestic Spanish city can cost less than a kiss-me-quick break in Blackpool, a consumer study has found.

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Taking the plane to the Catalan capital is better value than riding the railways to the golden sands of the North West of England.

The cost of a week-long holiday in Barcelona this month worked out at £518, including flights and accommodation, according to research from the National Consumer Council.

That compared to the £554 bill for a return rail ticket between London and Blackpool plus a week's accommodation.

The consumer council believes poor holiday value at home means many Britons prefer to take their breaks overseas.

This is despite its research that shows many would be prepared to reduce the environmental impact of their holidays by abandoning foreign breaks and the flights involved.

Many believe Britain is becoming warmer and so a better place to spend holidays, despite the floods of this summer, according to the council's research.

Around one in three - 32 per cent - say they are prepared to switch future holiday plans to avoid flying. But, in the face of high costs and inertia, only one in 25 - 4 per cent - do so.

"Our island has much to offer - from beautiful countryside to historic towns and cities," said the National Consumer Council's chief executive Ed Mayo.

"But, if costs are high and customer-service is poor, then people will continue to fly abroad.

"People are increasingly being asked to think before flying, but poor value at home means that this is a stick without a carrot."

He added: "The industry could ensure the quality of hotels, leisure facilities and customer service are on par, if not better, than overseas; rail fares could be reduced to coincide with the school summer holidays; and government could help by exploring ways to reduce the cost burdens for hotel stays and the tourist industry."

British hoteliers complain that higher prices in this country reflect the soaring cost of doing business - from rent and rates to bills for energy supplies and staff.

Visit Britain, the Government-backed body set up to boost tourism in the UK, insisted British holidays were booming.

Spokesman Patricia Yates suggested the National Consumer Council's criticism was "very odd".

"The price claims appear to be based on just one comparison," she said.

"But we have carried out our own research showing that the UK can easily beat the prices charged for a Spanish self-catering holiday for a family.

"This is an industry worth £ 85billion a year to the UK economy - some 80 per cent of that comes from domestic visitors. They are at the heart of what we are doing."