David Else, author of the latest Lonely Planet travel guidebook, has said that British holidaymakers could be forced overseas next year due to 'overpriced' domestic breaks.

The ninth edition of the title's Great Britain guidebook said that, while the weak economy was a benefit to overseas visitors, "Brits' wallets are struggling to take the strain".

Public transport, accommodation, admission fees and restaurants tended to be more costly than comparable businesses in other European destinations.

Else said: "It's perfectly possible to have a cheap holiday in Britain, but unfortunately you can find it costs just as much as a trip abroad.

"Unfortunately, at a time when everyone is in desperate need of a great value summer getaway, some of Britain's tourism industry just doesn't deliver."

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