The credit crunch is due to have a dramatic impact on British tourism this year, with many of us set to holiday in the UK instead of heading for foreign shores. The pound has lost so much value against the Euro that many families will decide to give up their traditional European break and make for the English coast instead.

A recent survey by Travelodge shows that no less than 54 per cent of Britons are staying at home this year, with the majority planning on visiting coastal resorts.

It will bring a much-needed boost to our own tourism industry, and, in fact, many resorts and attractions have been redeveloping in recent years to offer more value and quality to their customers. But how can we ensure we have just as much fun on our holidays this year, while still watching the pennies?

Don't let the credit crunch stop you and your family enjoying yourselves this summer. No matter where you choose to spend your holidays, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do across the country which are free for children and, in many cases, for adults too!

You don't have to stick to the seaside either, there is a wealth of beautiful countryside and little known free and affordable attractions right here in Oxfordshire.

There are many ways to be thrifty without compromising on fun, by taking some time to research and learn about the many attractions England has to offer.

Discover hidden gems and unusual places to visit in your local area or holiday destination with the Let's Go with the Children guidebooks. They are packed with detailed information on fun, educational and historical things to do across 14 regions of England, helping you keep the kids amused whatever the weather and whatever the budget. Perfect for the car or handbag, these superb guidebooks have a handy index on free places to go, and include exclusive money-saving offers from leading theatres, restaurants, visitor attractions, health clubs and clothing brands, to the value of more than £100.

We have teamed up with Let's Go with the Children to bring you a selection of the free places to visit in Oxfordshire:

Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote tel: 0870 333 1181
Many legends are connected with this 15th-century manor house, the remains of which stand on the banks of the River Windrush near Witney. Great for picnics.

North Leigh Roman Villa tel: 0870 333 1181
This near-complete mosaic tile floor and perfectly preserved underfloor heating system can be seen in the remains of a Roman courtyard villa at North Leigh, near Witney.

Museum of Oxford Tel: 01865 252761
Learn the story of the city from ancient times to now. Look out for Alice in Wonderland too. A fun kids' club, in school holidays too.

University Museum of Natural History, Oxford Tel: 01865 272950
See dinosaur skeletons, the remains of a Dodo and fossils. Watch the bees inside a real beehive. Experience Feeling Good - a hands-on exhibition.

Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Tel: 01235 862024
School groups may book visits to this exciting, innovative eco-building set in a nature reserve with many different habitats.

Benson Veteran Cycle Collection Tel: 01491 838414
A fascinating large private collection of bicycles from 1800 to 1930s. See the hobby-horse, the boneshaker, high-wheeled tricycles and penny-farthings.

Spiceball Country Park, Banbury Tel: 01295 250340
A large area with a canal and river running through it. There is a children's playground, trim trail, two skateboard ramps, cycle way and picnic area.

Millets Farm Centre, Frilford, near Abingdon. Tel: 01865 392200
A trip to Millets Farm Centre is sure to be a winner. On-site there is a farm shop, restaurants, garden centre, children’s farm zoo, play area and woodland walk, definitely something for all the family to enjoy. The Maize Maze is open during the summer, small fee charged.

Mill Meadows Henley-on-Thames Tel: 01491 576982
On the banks of the River Thames there are two fenced childeren’s play areas. Lots of space for picnics, ball games and feeding the ducks.

Warburg Nature Reserve Henley-on-Thames Tel: 01491 642001
This 262-acre wildlife trust nature reserve is a magical place to visit throughout the seasons. There is a visitor centre, nature trail and trail guides.

Bernwood Forest Nature Reserve, Thame. Tel: 01296 625825
Follow the butterfly trail and see how many of the 40 species you can spot. You may picnic here too.

The CS Lewis BBOWT Nature Reserve, Risinghurst Tel: 01865 775476
A magical nature reserve said to have inspired the Narnia tales. There are huge stones which look like gremlins, a large pond and walks through woodland.

Herb Farm, Sonning Common Tel: 0118 972 4220
Over 200 varieties of herbs in attractive gardens. There is a hedge maze modelled on Saxon sea creatures (entrance charge) in the summer only.

White Horse Hill, Uffington, near Faringdon Tel: 0870 333 1181
You can see the chalk white horse, as you approach. Climb to the top (264 metres) for magnificent views; fly kites and have a picnic.

Godwins Ice Cream Farm, Bicester Tel: 01869 351647
Take a stroll through the farmland, then enjoy a home-made ice cream.