Hatteras Island is a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, on the Atlantic Ocean. Famed for its lighthouse and long sandy beaches, it is a great family friendly place for a relaxing holiday. And with many rental homes from condos to houses available in and around the small towns of Hatteras Island, it can be a surprisingly low cost place to take the kids for a family holiday.

Many people visiting Hatteras Island will be looking for a beach holiday, and the long sandy beaches looking out over the Atlantic Ocean are well worth exploring - even at the height of summer or the 4th of July weekend you can usually find a good stretch of beach all to yourselves. Canadian Hole, between the towns of Buxton and Avon, is a particularly good spot. In addition to the beach itself, the waters of Pamlico Sound are perfect for wading, and tourists flock there as the conditions are perfect for windsurfing and kite boarding. In terms of sightseeing there is also the lighthouse, which was moved inland in 1999 to protect it from coastal erosion, and the 825 acre Buxton Coastal Reserve, an area of maritime woodland full of spectacular wildlife (there have even been sightings of bald eagles) and plenty of hiking trails for those members of the family looking for a bit more exercise.

With a huge choice of rental homes available on Hatteras Island, there are some great deals available and it is worth shopping around. With truly luxurious houses and condos large enough for a family of four or more starting from just £400 a week, a holiday in a rental property can work out much cheaper than booking rooms in a hotel, and gives you much more privacy and opportunity to unwind and enjoy your holiday. With great views of the ocean and all modern comforts included as standard (often including a private pool), Hatteras Island rental apartments can feel like a real home from home, and they're great for kids. The spacious properties of Buxton, Avon or Salvo offer a huge amount of space for the younger members of the family to run around and let off steam, without worrying about disturbing the neighbours!