Experience the Enchantment of the UK for Less with These Budget-Friendly Destinations
Bath, England
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath is another historic gem that is possible to visit on a budget. Easily accessible from London, the city offers the best of modern Britain along with a rich history and tons of must-see sights and attractions. You’ll find a large number of museums, theaters and other cultural attractions that will leave you coming away more cultured and with a richer knowledge of British history.
The ancient Roman Baths complex remains one of the main reasons many come to Bath. Today, the city remains true to this heritage, with a large, modern thermal spa that takes advantage of the town’s rich mineral springs and is well worth spending a relaxing day (or several) at.
Bath is incredibly photogenic with its UNESCO World Heritage Site-worthy Georgian architecture and surrounding hillsides. The streets are lined with interesting shops perfect for the artsy types and wannabe creatives. You’ll also find a selection of charming eateries offering delicious fare, markets for browsing and artisanal coffee shops.
Like York, Bath is a college town, so when it comes to accommodations you can stay in the University residences for £30 a night. For a bit more, book a stay at a farmhouse bed and breakfast or a low-cost inn near town. You should be able to find something decent for around £60.
Brighton and Hove, England
The seaside town of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex is a popular vacation destination with both Brits and international visitors. Booking a holiday in Brighton is great for the budget-explorer as it offers a wide range of activities that are completely free. For lovers of the outdoors, it’s hard to beat with miles of scenic beaches, some 98 free public parks and gardens, and the gorgeous Sussex countryside all offering opportunities to explore the great outdoors without spending any money.
However, as much as we’d love to, we can’t spend all of our travel days outdoors. For rainy days or when you need a break from the sunshine, there are a number of free and cheap museums and galleries around town. Check out the Hove Museum, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and the Brighton Fishing Museum.
You can save money on both your accommodation and food budget by booking a self-catering room. Brighton has a number of comfy rooms and chalets with self-catering options, some priced around £30 a night, per person. For families on a budget, there are also several Brighton hotels that offer spacious family rooms with prices starting around £125 for families of five or fewer people.
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Cornwall, England
One of the more remote parts of the United Kingdom, Cornwall still remains popular with travelers. Whether they come here seeking the legendary home of King Arthur, or the multitude of natural attractions, it’s hard to beat. The county of Cornwall sits on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The county boasts 300 miles of coastline and is every beach holiday lovers dream with plenty of options for those looking to have a cheap holiday in the U.K. The area’s rich Celtic heritage also makes it a popular destination among tourists who are interested in cultural travel.
Enjoying the sights at the busy fishing harbors around Cornwall’s coast, or enjoying the crystal-clear waters at one of its many beaches make it an ideal destination for water lovers. Surfing is popular here as are a range of other water sports. If you’re taking a break from the beach, browsing the art at the Falmouth Art Gallery might be an ideal afternoon for you, and it’s free to visit.
You can also visit Roskilly’s, a real, working organic dairy farm where you can learn how ice cream is made and sample some of their delicious products. The Camel Trail is a popular (and free!) way to explore the beautiful Cornish countryside. It’s a disused rail line turned multi-use trail that is best traveled by bike. The 18 miles of trail passes some of the most spectacular views in the region and is free to ride on if you have your own bike. Alternatively, you can cheaply rent bikes in Padstow, Bodwin or Wadebridge.
Family travelers are also in luck as Heartlands, an amusement park of sorts, is an absolute gem and you won’t believe that it’s completely free. Expect to spend the day crawling through tunnels, slipping down slides and exploring a shipwrecked boat — your kids won’t want to leave and your wallet will thank you!
There are a number of budget cottages for rent around Cornwall so you won’t have to fork over a great deal of cash to enjoy a stay here. Tideway isn’t the absolute cheapest, but its convenient location, beautiful garden and swimming pool along with reasonable rates make it our favorite affordable place in Cornwall.
