travel england on a budget

18 ways to explore England on a budget

Jul 15, 2023 • 11 min read

From free activities to budget meals, these top tips can help you save money when you visit England © Photo by Roo Lewis / Getty Images

From cliff-backed beaches and quaint villages to vibrant cities and historic sights, England has plenty to entice visitors. But it can also be a fairly expensive destination, particularly in terms of accommodations, tours and sightseeing . 

The good news? Many of England’s museums , natural sights and heritage attractions are free. Public transportation can be affordable when planned in advance, and plenty of wallet-friendly dining options exist: from pub lunches to the iconic takeaway fish and chips. 

Even London , famously one of Europe’s most expensive cities, can be explored on a budget if you’re careful. Outside of the major tourist destinations, the rest of England becomes much more affordable, so heading off the beaten path can be particularly rewarding. 

Get ready to explore the land of rolling countryside, ancient castles, and dazzling white cliffs with these top money-saving tips and a guide to daily costs.

Average daily costs in England

Hostel room: £15–30 (dorm bed) Hotel room for two: £100 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): £70  Camping pitch: £20–30 Single bus ticket: £2.80 (can reach over £6 in rural areas) Coffee: £3 Takeaway sandwich: £3 Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: £30–50  Pint at the bar: £4–6 Takeaway fish and chips: £10 Pub lunch: £12.50–25

Total average daily cost per person: £50–150

Bear in mind that travel costs – particularly accommodation – vary significantly across England depending on the destination. Prices in London and other popular cities are generally much higher than in smaller towns or rural areas.

Figure out which London airport is the cheapest to fly to

London has six major airports but transport costs into the city center – or further afield – can vary widely. To figure out which airport is cheapest to fly to in England, you should factor in the onward travel costs to your final destination. 

Heathrow, London’s main and busiest airport, is on the London Underground's Piccadilly Line and the new Elizabeth Line, so travel into central London can cost as little as £5.60. Buses from Heathrow Central Bus Station can provide affordable onward travel to the rest of England. 

The second largest airport, Gatwick, competes directly with Heathrow for a number of destinations, often resulting in lower flight prices. It’s not on the London Underground, but there is a train station and a bus station with connections into central London starting from £13.30 and £7 respectively. There are also good connections with other parts of England, particularly the south.  

London’s Luton, Southend, and Stansted airports are popular hubs for budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, though they have a longer journey time into central London. Finally, the centrally-located London City Airport is usually the most expensive to fly to, but allows for cheap and convenient onward travel within the city center. 

Remember to check other destination airports

Depending on your onward travel plans, flying into London might not be your best bet. Manchester Airport is the third biggest in the UK and has flight connections with over 200 destinations worldwide . As with Heathrow and Gatwick, the amount of flight options can drive competition between airlines and result in lower prices. 

Smaller airports throughout England may be better positioned for onward travel to other parts of the country. Bristol and Newquay airports are much closer to Southwest England than the London airports, for example, while Birmingham Airport might be a better option for the Midlands.  

Remember to factor in the price of onward travel, as this can have a huge impact on travel costs. If you want to visit the Lake District, trains from London Heathrow to Oxenholme train station take almost 10 hours and start from £114.20 . Trains from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme, by comparison, take 1h 39m and start from £6.50.  

If you’re trying to get the best flight deal possible, it’s a good idea to widen your search to include all English airports and to check the onward travel options before making your decision. 

Weigh up your transport options

Unfortunately, public transportation isn’t always the cheapest or most practical way of getting around England. Most cities and towns have good internal bus networks, but many rural areas and small towns have limited – or no – public transport services, and trains between cities can be pricey. 

Train tickets are notoriously expensive in England, but traveling off-peak and booking around 12 weeks in advance can dramatically reduce costs. Check and compare train times and ticket options on National Rail . If you plan on traveling by train regularly, purchasing a National Rail annual railcard may help reduce costs. 

The best way to travel around England for budget visitors is by coach, but journey times are often much longer than by train or car and the routes aren’t always convenient. Bus travel is cheapest when booked direct: the two main operators are National Express and Megabus . Both offer competitive prices. 

If you plan on visiting multiple destinations or traveling to parts of England with limited public transport services, driving may prove the most practical way to get around. According to  Kayak , car hire in the UK is £43 per day on average, although prices can be as low as £16 per day. 

Book transport in advance for the best deals

If you plan to travel around England via public transport, booking in advance is almost always the cheapest option. Advance train tickets can be around 50% cheaper, while Trainline claims its customers save an average of 61% when booking in advance.  

Train tickets can usually be booked around 12 weeks before the departure date, while bus tickets from National Express – the UK’s largest coach operator – go on sale up to one year in advance. 

Find free parking

Park & Ride services on the outskirts of towns and cities usually offer free parking when you pay for the bus into the center. This usually works out much cheaper than paying for city center parking, not to mention congestion fees, which are becoming increasingly common in busy cities. 

Street parking, where allowed, is often free in England, though sometimes only for a limited time, and rarely in city or town centers. Apps like AppyParking and Parkopedia can help you find free places to park.

Visit in spring or autumn for the best prices

June to August is the peak tourist season in the UK. Travel costs, especially accommodation, can rise dramatically during these months, as well as during school and public holidays. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are often much quieter and cheaper times to visit. The weather is usually fairly mild, though changeable and with a greater chance of rain than in summer.  

November to March is the off-season in England and is generally the cheapest time to visit (except Christmas). It’s worth noting that many outdoor and summer-based tourist attractions close during winter, especially in seaside resorts. 

Avoid traveling during school and bank holidays

School and public holidays are the most popular travel times in England and tend to see significant price increases. To save money, avoid traveling during school holidays, which happen every six to seven weeks, if you can.

The exact dates vary across the country , but generally speaking, the longest holiday period is from the end of July and throughout August, with an additional two weeks around Christmas and Easter. There are also "half-term" holidays of one or two weeks, usually falling in February, May and October.

Additionally, there are eight Bank Holidays in England throughout the year. Extra holidays are sometimes added for national events such as Royal weddings and funerals.

Make the most of England’s free attractions

If you’re exploring England on a budget, there are plentiful free attractions to enjoy. All national parks have free entry, as do most other natural attractions such as woodlands, country parks, lakes and beaches. Likewise, there are miles of public footpaths, bridleways, and long-distance walking and biking paths to enjoy free of charge across the country. 

Many museums and art galleries offer free entry, and even the ones that don’t often have a monthly free-entry day. Churches and cathedrals are usually free to explore as well, although some ask for donations from visitors. 

Get 2-for-1 on attractions with National Rail

The National Rail Days Out scheme offers 2-for-1 tickets at over 300 attractions in England when you travel by train. There’s a huge variety of attractions across the country, including aquariums, zoos, football grounds, museums, gardens, and cinemas. Simply show your train ticket on entry to receive the discount.

Join English Heritage and/or the National Trust

Many of England's top heritage properties, beauty spots and historic sites are managed by either the National Trust or English Heritage charities. Stonehenge and Dover Castle are two of the most famous English Heritage sites, while the National Trust manages over 500 gardens, nature reserves, and historic houses such as Agatha Christie’s former home Greenway House in Devon .

Both charities offer annual memberships allowing free entry to all attractions as well as free car parking at a number of locations. Both charities also offer temporary memberships for short-term visitors from overseas. These can be well worth purchasing if you plan on visiting several attractions.

Look for discounts for students, seniors, groups and families 

Many attractions throughout England offer discounts to students, children (usually under 18s) and seniors (usually 60+). Some also offer cheaper packages for groups and families, so check the best options online when planning your trip. 

Check online for discounts

Coupons and special offers are popular in England. If you’re visiting an attraction or a restaurant, check its social media pages for any current deals that may be running. Likewise, local Facebook Groups and newspapers can be good sources for news of special offers and discounts in the area.  

You can also sign up for online deals websites to find discounts on days out, meals and more. Groupon and HotUKDeals are two popular websites for finding deals on UK travel.

Book rooms in budget hotels

Accommodation can be one of the biggest costs when traveling in England. The budget hotel chains Premier Inn , Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express offer decent hotel rooms (if a little bland) at affordable prices. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually cheaper than hotels and often have a lot more character. 

Hotels on the outskirts of towns and cities can be cheaper than those in the city center, but check that there are convenient public transport options before booking, as taking taxis will quickly mitigate those savings. 

Remember that hostels aren’t just for backpackers

The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has hostels across England, some of them in extraordinary buildings, including castles! These offer budget-friendly dormitory accommodation for backpackers, but there are many other options to suit all kinds of travelers. Groups can book an entire dorm – or even the whole property – and many hostels have private and family-sized rooms, camping pitches, cabins and even glamping.

Embrace the English caravan parks

Holiday parks with static caravan accommodation are popular throughout England, particularly around tourist hot spots on the coast or in the countryside. These can be a very affordable option, especially for groups or families, although prices rise significantly during the summer holidays. Many parks have facilities such as a pool, restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Pitchup  is a handy website to search and book holiday parks, caravans, campsites, and glamping sites across the UK. Keep in mind that some holiday parks can only be booked directly through the parks themselves. 

Enjoy a good meal out on a budget

England’s reputation for high prices and bad cuisine is somewhat undeserved. There’s good food to be found across the country, from minimal-mile menus at country pubs to excellent seafood along the ample coastline . Food trucks are increasingly popular, especially in cities and tourist towns, and can be a great way to get a takeaway meal for less than £10. Speaking of takeaways, the famed British staple of fish and chips usually costs around £10, best eaten on the beach at sunset for a no-frills budget dinner.

For indoor dining, pubs are generally cheaper than restaurants and many offer very good food alongside local ales, ciders and other drinks. Look for gastro-pubs, where the emphasis is more on dining than drinking. Expect to pay around £12–20 for a main and even less if there’s a deal on.

Consider signing up for a Tastecard

You could also sign up for a Tastecard which offers dining discounts such as 2-for-1 meals at eateries all over the UK — including chains like Pizza Hut, Prezzo and Giraffe. Membership is £34.99 a year so this is probably only worth it during a long-term stay in England or if you plan to use the discount card a lot during your visit.

Stay in self-catered places and shop in budget supermarkets

Dining out is obviously going to eat into your budget. Consider opting for self-catering accommodation where you've got the facilities to store and prepare your own meals.

The cheapest supermarkets are Aldi and Lidl , although most supermarket brands usually have good special offers on. Supermarkets are also great places to pick up cheap lunches (many have a “meal deal” combo of a sandwich, side and drink) or put together a picnic to take with you while you’re exploring England. 

Dine out on weekdays

At pubs and restaurants, weekdays are often the cheapest days to dine out. During the week, many establishments offer fixed-price set menus or deals such as 2-for-1 mains that won’t be found on weekends. 

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The cheapest way to travel ENGLAND ON A BUDGET

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Along with the rest of Europe, the UK is known for its expensive train fares and pricey domestic flights. As Brits, we wanted to share our top tips on the cheapest way to travel England on a budget. 

Growing up in England, we spent many hours working out the cheapest ways to get around the country.

With bustling cities like London, seaside locations like Brighton and Tenby , historic cities like Oxford and Cambridge and miles and miles of gorgeous countryside, the UK offers so much more than a red phone booth and black cab.

So here are our tips on how to travel to England on a budget.

How to Travel England on a Budget – Planning Tips

• Sign up for updates – Groupon, Hot UK Deals, Holiday Pirates and Secret Escapes are great websites to sign up for before any travel around the UK. We bagged ourselves £1 train tickets from London to Birmingham because of the Hot UK Deals updates. You may also wish to sign up for myvouchercodes.co.uk, vouchercode.co.uk and discountcodes.co.uk to get some great offers and browse the voucher codes on Stena Line Voucher Codes for deals too.
• Book in advance – Whether you are planning to catch a plane, bus or train; booking your ticket early almost always works out cheaper. A lot of companies will sell a certain about of tickets for the cheapest price before the price begins to rise.
• Be flexible – Whether it’s a bus, plane or train, be flexible on the stations/airports you fly in between. Trains to and from major cities around the UK can be much more expensive than a train from a lesser-known station nearby the major cities.
• JourneyPro – This app allows you to plan a journey anywhere in the country but is perfect for navigating the London Underground. It is free to download and a bit of a lifesaver when you are lost in the big city.

• Holiday Pirates – The team at HotUKDeals has launched the Holiday Pirates website in recent years, offering cheap, last-minute deals on holidays and hotels around the world but also across the UK. Not only do they offer some great trips and hotels but you can also get cheaper attraction tickets!
• Go in the Off Season – January through to March is cold and wet – the perfect time to save money on travel in the UK. Hotels, buses, trains and flights are a lot cheaper during these months than during the summer.

Travel around England on a budget

• Travel Smart – The train is usually the most efficient way of getting around the UK.

It is cheaper than flights, offers more stops at those less known towns and cities and is faster than a bus journey. Tickets can be booked in advance and various railcards can be purchased to give you further discounts on individual journeys.

If you are travelling for some time in the UK, you may wish to look into getting yourself a BritRail  card, that will also give you deals on attractions around the UK.

Use National Rail to find the best route for you then head to websites such as virgin trains and Megatrains to bag a cheap fare.

Often, the cheapest fares can be found on The Trainline’s Fare Finder.

• Get the bus – Buses are not my favourite form of transport but they are normally the cheapest way to travel around the UK.

Booking early with Megabus can bag you £1 for journeys although at unusual times. National Express bus routes offer better times and comfortable coaches at a higher price.

These buses are worth using for short, 3-4 hour journeys! You can even choose to upgrade your bus to the Megabus Gold for a more luxurious bus ride.

• Fly – Flying around the UK can be expensive but is useful if you are travelling long distances from one side of the country to another.

Smaller airports can offer cheaper flights around the UK, look out for; Stansted and Luton (when travelling from London), Bristol, Prestwick, East Midlands and Belfast. Stick with budget airlines and unusual flight times to get the best deal.

Kayak and Momondo are the best sites to browse but EasyJet offers some good prices but aren’t listed on these sites.

Why not fly over to Edinburgh from London? Emily Luxton shares how you can make the most from a weekend in Edinburgh. 

• BlaBlaCar – Lift share your way around the UK with BlaBlaCar. Search the journey you wish to take across the country, along with your chosen date and get cheap journeys.
• Drive – The best way to get around the UK is to drive. Compare rental car costs on GoCompare and choose a company that allows you to pick up and drop off your car at different locations.

Driving around the UK travel tips

Petrol is more expensive than in Asia and America but is about the same as in most places across Europe.

The UK is connected by so many motorways with service stations to make your journey a more pleasant one! Just bring change and check for toll charges; some tolls require a pre or post-payment online or a massive fine!

Plus, if you are driving, you can access the random but fun attractions and things to do along the way to each city and also take advantage of the cheaper, free parking chain hotels that are normally found on the outskirts of towns and cities.

• Bike it – When staying in London, rent a Boris bike and explore the great city at a cheap price.
• Get an Oyster Card – If you plan on staying in and around London for some time, it is worth getting yourself an Oyster card. The card itself costs £3 and you can top it up as you go. You use this card for the underground train and buses around London, with a £6.60 cap on it, meaning you will never spend more than £6.60 getting around this expansive and expensive city.
• Railcards – For those living, studying, or working in the UK, you can get yourself a Railcard . There are railcards offering discounts for students, families, couples, and seniors as well as those just travelling in the South East. A yearly fee gets you discounted prices on all train rides across the country.
• Walk – UK cities are accessible and easy to walk around. Opt for a walking tour to save money and see all your favorite sites.
• Flying to the UK – One option to save money, if you have plenty of time for your trip, is to fly via a different European city first. If you plan on travelling around Europe for an extended period of time, fly into a city like Amsterdam, Paris, or Ukraine (with the national airlines) to get cheaper prices to Europe. You can travel via train or bus to England afterwards.
• Omio – Check out the Omio website to compare the best ways to travel the country. If you want to head from one area of England to another, or even travel across the UK, head to Omio and search your journey. This website will tell you the best options for you to choose from, comparing trains, flights, buses and coaches as well as the best times and prices to travel. 
• Use the buses – Every city and town will offer some type of bus service and you can find these simply by googling the city or town and bus service. These buses get you around a place but often can take you from one town to another. Make sure you have change for your ticket though!
• Avoid express – There are a handful of airports in and around London, with many of them offering ‘express’ trains into the city centre. It will cost a lot more for this ticket and won’t save you much time either.

Example: 

Heathrow – £36 for an express return taking 15 minutes or £21 for a standard return taking 30 – 40 minutes.

Gatwick – £35 for an express return taking 30 minutes or £20 for a standard return taking 35 – 45 minutes. 

• Book trains in advance – Use websites like Train Line to book your train ticket in advance. On-the-day tickets can be twice as expensive and good discounts can be found online

Save money on accommodation in England

• Stay at Universities – This was a fairly new concept whilst I was at University but it seems to be getting more and more popular.

Websites like University Rooms help you find university rooms in cities and towns across the UK; the best deals are found in the summer months (June – September) and over Christmas and Easter when students aren’t at University.

• YHA – YHA offers cheap hostels across the country and is known to be clean and fairly modern. Many of their hostels offer family rooms as well, ideal for families or group travellers on a budget.
• Chain hotels – Travelodge and Premier Inn are your cheap but clean, spacious and comfortable hotels in the UK. Head to their websites in advance of your trip and you can snag a room for as little as £29 a night. These hotel chains are in all major cities and towns and can also be found at the service stops off major motorways.
• Pay in dollars – If you are American, you may be able to save some money by booking in dollars. Many high-end hotels like Egerton House Hotel and Milestone Hotel offer guaranteed dollar rates, so check your hotel’s website for this first before booking. 

• Air B’n’B – Just like the rest of the world, there are some great Air B’n’B options in the UK with some great prices to match. Plus, if you click here you can get £30 off your booking!
• Outskirts – When planning a trip to one of the small cities and towns, try looking at hotels just slightly on the outskirts. Local buses are convenient and inexpensive so booking hotels on the outskirts of towns may work out quite a bit cheaper.
• Caravans – Think of an RV – but smaller. In the UK, Caravans are popular for those wanting to park up on the coast or in national parks. Caravan Parks are cheap and often offer restaurants, cafes, bars, and even performances. There are lots of websites that allow you to search for the perfect Caravan for your trip.
• Camp in a garden – That sounds crazy, right? Camp in My Garden offers travelers a place to set up a tent or park a caravan in the homes of locals.
• Guest Houses – Cheaper than hotels but often with a lot more character, Guest Houses offer cheaper options yet still offer similar amenities.
• Do your research – There are some amazing, cheap hotels around the UK. Do some proper research, using TripAdvisor, booking.com and Air B’n’B to help you choose the perfect place to stay. But also use cozycozy to find cheap accommodation options and check out the deals on Agoda.

Save money on attractions in England

• English Heritage Pass – If you intend to visit some of the historical sites around the UK, you can save money on all the entrance fees and ticket costs by purchasing English Heritage Pass . There is a yearly fee but if you are here for some time, it may be worth the price.
• Historic Scotland Explorer Pass – Scotland is an incredible place with so many castles, abbeys, ancient sites and museums. So save money by purchasing an Explorer Pass!
• The National Trust Touring Pass – With so many National Trust properties across the UK, it is hard to make a decision on which places to visit. Pick up a pass to save money if you plan to visit a few.

• Pass cards – The London Pass and the Edinburgh Pass are attraction cards that allow you entry into multiple tourist attractions in the chosen city but also offer great discounts in restaurants and theatres. We personally love the Go City Pass for London, as you can edit the amount of days you want to spend in the city.
• Free Attractions – Like everywhere in the world, the UK offers some amazing FREE attractions. Museums in London are completely free to enter as are many castles, National Parks and Hike trails around the country. There are lots of free things to do in London to enjoy and explore.
• Book online – If you are visiting a popular attraction, it is worth looking at ticket prices online before you go. Prices online can be purchased at a reduced rate whilst also saving your ideal time slot
• Coupons – Coupons are popular in the UK. Travel by train and pick up the 2 for 1 booklet from stations outside of London or head over to VoucherBin to get discounted deals.
• Walking tours – Take advance of the free walking tours around the major cities; find a local free tour on Free tours by foot. 
• Visit the Cathedrals – Whilst in the UK, make sure you visit the stunning cathedrals in every city! Fun fact – cities in the UK can only be called a city if it has a cathedral. Anyway, these can date back all the way to the 15th century and offer stunning architecture for absolutely nothing!
• Shopping – If you want to enjoy a bit of shopping in the UK, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you are looking for luxury brands and designers, head to one of the many outlet malls around the country to save money on good-quality items. Alternatively, if you are in the UK and find you need to make a quick purchase – maybe you forgot a scarf or need more socks, head to Primark. This is a very cheap store for quick, easy clothing items – just don’t expect them to last for more than a few months.

How to save on Food and Drink in England

• Taste of UK card

These little gems get you discounts and deals across a selection of restaurants in the UK. You can get yourself a card from the website and the first 90 days cost just £1 – perfect for those touring the country.

• Walk away from the tourist attractions

This is the same in many places around the world, but to find the best and cheapest restaurants, pubs, hotels and hostels you’ll need to look further away from the central tourist attraction.

Travelodge and Premier Inn can be found in and around most towns and cities across the UK with decent private rooms at affordable prices.

Wetherspoon pubs offer cheap alcohol and food whilst chain restaurants are unfortunately often cheaper than independently run restaurants in the smaller cities around the UK.

OK, I can promise you that during your stay in the UK, there is a 90% it will rain! When it rains, it pours and puts you off getting all dressed up for a fancy dinner.

JustEat and HungryHouse are websites that allow you to search the menus of nearby restaurants that will deliver to your address.  You can compare prices and read reviews on the website before ordering anything.

• TablePouncer

Get the TablePouncer app. Available in major cities, this app is ideal for last-minute dining. It offers you great discounts and deals at top local restaurants and reserves your chosen restaurant in seconds – helping you save money and time.

• Plan your food

One of the most exciting things to do when you travel is to wander the streets and walk into any restaurant, bar or cafe that takes your fancy.

Food in England is ridiculously expensive compared to most other countries in Asia, the Americas and even Europe. Plan ahead and use TripAdvisor, blogs and google maps to locate and choose one or two great restaurants in your chosen area in your price range.

Have a look for the nearest supermarket (Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda are all budget-friendly places) to stock up on snacks and breakfast/lunch food. Food at service stations is also expensive so make yourself sandwiches or budget for these extra prices.

The food court in Marks & Spencers offers high-quality food but at higher prices than most supermarkets.

Pubs offer daily specials and most towns and cities have magical Wetherspoon’s (a chain of British Pubs) that offer reasonably priced meals.

Like many places in Europe, there are some amazing restaurants in the UK, especially when you head into Central London. If you want a treat, head to these restaurants at lunch for a cheap lunch menu!

• Voucher Cloud

Another great app to use when searching for the best deals and prices. Voucher Cloud uses your location to share restaurant and attraction offers as well as supermarket deals.

• Eat Ethnic food

Scattered around the UK are some excellent ethnic restaurants, from Chinese to Indian, Middle Eastern to Pasta – there are foods from all over the world. These are often tasty, interesting and a lot cheaper than fine dining options.

• Dine at a pub

For a decent, hearty meal, head to the pub! Alcohol can be pricey in the UK but there are some great meal options for a pie and pint! Plus, you get to eat the delights of British food.

My personal favourite has to be Wetherspoons! A chain of pubs around the UK that offer cheap meals – A burger, chips and beer for £5.49!

• Fish’n’Chips

One of the UK’s most popular meals is, of course, Fish and Chips!

Whilst you are in the UK, you need to stop and try this infamous meal whilst saving money – a bag of chips and a cod really don’t break the bank.

When visiting any of the University cities and towns, head to the bars. Many offer great promotions and happy hours, especially on the weekends.

Creative Tip: Afternoon teas are a must whilst in the UK and they aren’t just limited to London. You can find some great Afternoon Tea outside of London for cheaper prices and even ones that cater to Vegetarians and Vegans.

• Enjoy the chains – I know many people may disagree but when you are travelling on a budget, it is worth making use of chain restaurants. Nandos is a popular choice in the UK whilst Pizza Express has some great two-course deals. Also, don’t forget to head to Wetherspoons for a pint and a greasy plate of British food – it sounds awful but doesn’t knock it before you try it!
• Meal deals – Head to any supermarket and you will find some type of meal deal.  These often include some type of salad, sandwich or pasta with a snack and drink for less than £4. This makes for a cheap, quick lunch or even a chilled-out dinner with a few extra snacks. 
• Use the markets – To travel to England on a budget, make sure you visit the markets. Most cities will have some type of market (it may only be on for the weekend) and here you will find great food but fair prices. Don’t expect to find super cheap food here but expect good value.
• Pub food –  can’t stress this enough, if you want a good, sit-down meal, head to the local pubs. Not the pub opposite Big Ben or the one in Covent Garden, head down the quieter streets and find local pubs. Food is good value and often very British!

Travel London on a budget

• Staying in London – Stay near the underground but don’t worry about the city centre. London has a comprehensive underground system that can be used to get everywhere. Use the Underground map to help you get around and don’t forget to down the map on your phone to help you when you are out and about. 
• Thames Clipper – The Thames Clipper is a public ferry service that costs around £8 for a full journey; a much cheaper experience on the Thames compared to the tours available.
• Cycle – Whilst in London, you can choose to cycle using the Santander Cycle Scheme. You will notice bikes dotted around the city and for £2 for 24 hours, you can cycle between the sights.
• Get an Oyster card – Whilst in London, get yourself an Oyster card. This means you can travel around the underground without having to buy an individual ticket each time but also, these journeys are capped so you don’t spend more than a set maximum. If you have a contactless card, you could use this on the underground and on buses too.
• Skip the Shard and head to the Sky Garden – Skip the Shard, it is overpriced. Instead, opt for the Sky Garden, offering stunning views completing for free.
• Theatre tickets – There are lots of great websites that help you get discounted theatre tickets. Head to the theatre of your chosen show at 9.45/10 am to see if they have any last-minute tickets for that day or use websites like Last Minute or London Theatre Tickets.

Read here for more London Travel tips and Free things to do in London.

Don’t forget to visit some of my favourite places in the UK: Liverpool , Bristol, Brighton and Chichester are some of my top picks!

So these are the main ways we use to save money whilst living and travelling around the UK. Do you have any other suggestions? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Travel in England FAQ

How much should I budget for a trip to England?

A week in England will cost around $1500 – $2000, for a solo traveller, depending on where you are staying. London hotels are more expensive than in other cities but you can visit the UK on a budget and spend as little as $100 a day. 

What is the cheapest month to travel to London?

The cheapest months to travel to London and England are September to the start of October and January to March. You can find cheaper flights to the UK during these months and there are fewer tourists, so you will find a budget hotel easily and attractions will be quieter. 

What is the best way to travel around the UK?

The train is the easiest way to travel the UK but catching buses with Megabus or National Express is often the cheapest way to travel the UK. 

Is the train cheaper than the bus in England?

Often the bus is cheaper, especially when moving between smaller cities. However, the underground is much quicker than buses around London’s city centre and train travel around the UK is more reliable than buses. 

Is food expensive in England?

Food prices vary in England but an average sit-down meal is more expensive in England than in Eastern Europe cities but similar to prices in the US and Western Europe. You can find cheap food in supermarkets and chain restaurants and decent-priced meals in pubs. 

How much money do I need for 2 weeks in London?

If you are a budget traveller and intend on cooking for yourself in a hostel and visiting the free attractions, you can visit London for under $50 a day. However, if you want to eat out more and visit some paid attractions, you will need around $100 a day whilst those looking to go shopping, watch a theatre show or football game, expect to budget around $150 a day. 

How do I get cheap London tickets?

Cheap London train tickets can be found when purchasing tickets in advance, online. Use Nationalrail.com to compare prices. Also, avoid travelling between 6.30 – 9.30 and 15.30 – 18.40; this is peak travel time and prices are higher. Also, sometimes 2 singles can be a better value than a return. 

For cheap flights to London, compare prices on Skyscanner and check flight prices to London Stansted, Gatwick and Luton; these smaller airports can sometimes be cheaper than Heathrow.

Is it worth renting a car in England?

If you are staying in a city, no, it is not worth renting a car. However, if you plan on travelling the country a lot, then it can work out cheaper to rent a car. However, compare prices on Avis and Europcar and make sure to book your car hire online as far in advance as possible; prices rise as you get near the pick-up date. 

How do I plan a road trip UK?

• List the places you want to visit
• Plot these destinations on google map to work out the most efficient routes
• Compare rental prices using Travel Supermarket.  
• Don’t pay for a GPS (car companies overcharge and you can use your phone GPS instead).
• Be flexible with your dates but book accommodation in advance. 
• Stick to the speed limits and laws
• Enjoy your travels

How many days are enough to visit the UK?

If you are only visiting London, you can spend 3-4 days seeing the most popular attractions. If you want to visit other cities and sites in the UK such as Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford and Liverpool, plan at least 10 days in the UK. 

How much is a meal in London?

Budget restaurants in London (ethnic or chain restaurants) will cost between £6 – £10 whilst mid-range restaurants will cost you around £15 – £25 for a main meal and drink. High-end restaurants in London can cost anything between £40 to $140+ per head. 

How much should I budget for food UK?

If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen, you could budget as little as £20 for food. However, if you will be eating out 2-3 times a day, you will need at least £35 a day, presuming you are picking up a light breakfast or lunch from the local supermarkets. 

Do I need cash for London?

You will need some cash, mainly for buses and cabs. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. 

What is the cheapest airport to fly into England?

• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow
• London City Airport

What is the cheapest day to fly to the UK?

Friday is consistently the cheapest day to visit the UK. 

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Josephine Jewkes

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Thank you so much! My daughter is so keen to visit Britain with me and this gives us an idea of how to start planning and budgeting!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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England Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While most travelers tend to stick to London (which is understandable as it’s a great city!), the rest of the region has a lot to offer and sees a fraction of the crowds.

In fact, backpacking around England was one of the highlights of all my travels in Europe .

England’s smaller cities, like Bath and Oxford , are both fascinating and culturally rich. (And, since they aren’t as crowded as London, they’re a bit cheaper too.)

Liverpool , the birthplace of The Beatles, boasts a rich musical history while the countryside has fascinating estates and natural beauty. There’s the mountainous north, the rolling hills of Lancaster and Cornwall, Stonehenge , Hadrian’s Wall, and Tudor cities like Chester.

In short, there is a ton to see and do in England. This England travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on England

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in england.

1. Tour London

You can’t go to England without visiting London — it’s one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s home to charming pubs, world-class museums, tons of history, some of the best theater performances in the world, a diverse population, incredible food, and a wild nightlife. It might be a city that often breaks the bank, but fortunately, London has a plethora of free markets, museums are often free, and it has a ton of relaxing parks that you can enjoy on a budget. There are lots of free walking tours here too!

2. Drive the coast

England’s coastal towns make for a relaxing holiday (especially if you have a vehicle). The most popular destination is Brighton , well-known for its summer parties and festivals. But don’t overlook places like Weymouth, Salcombe, Dover, Hastings, St Ives, or Newquay — and that’s just a handful of them in the south of the country. You could literally spend months just discovering each new place. The towns offer everything from old-world traditional charm (think cobbled streets and Tudor houses) to bright lights and fun fairs (Brighton’s pier is similar to LA’s Santa Monica).

3. See Cornwall

Cornwall is like mini-New England — you can see why English settlers felt at home in the New World. Just like the USA’s New England , Cornwall has rolling hills, beautiful lakes, small towns, rural farms, wonderful hiking trails, tiny fishing villages, great food, and even a winery. The area has been populated since the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Eventually, the Britons (who were Celtic in origin) claimed the region, with the first written account of the region dating back to the 4th century BCE. It’s also been an important maritime region for centuries. The laid-back pace of life here is one of the reasons why it’s one of my favorite places in England. Don’t miss it!

4. Spend a day in Bath

Bath is named after the famous (and marvelously well preserved) ancient Roman baths located in the heart of the city that date back to 70 CE and were in use through to the 5th century. The audio guide by Bill Bryson is a must and adds a lot of context and details. The baths are the main attraction in town, though the abbey, Georgian and Victorian houses, and river are also nice to see. Literature buffs can also explore Jane Austen’s heritage as she lived in Bath for most of her life.

5. Explore the Lake District

Located in Cumbria, in Northern England, and about an hour from the border with Scotland, the Lake District is home to one of England’s best national parks. The lakes in the region are a result of the last ice age and receding glaciers cut the U-shaped valleys that are now filled with water. It’s perfect for hiking mountain passes and sailing around pristine lakes. It’s very popular (and crowded) during the summer. It is to northern England what Cornwall is to the south: a natural, rural paradise that embodies the best of England and, outside of Cornwall, it’s my favorite region in England.

Other Things to See and Do in England

1. see buckingham palace.

Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England, is a fascinating sight that’s only open to the public during the summer. If you can’t (or don’t want to) visit the palace, you can catch the changing of the guards at 11am four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). If you want to check out the palace, admission is 30 GBP when purchased online (33 GBP on the day), while exclusive guided tours are 90 GBP. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for details on other events happening throughout the year.

2. Visit the Tower of London

Built in 1070, the Tower of London has expanded many times over the years. It was built as a double-leaf bascule bridge in the middle (both sides lift up) to maintain river access to the Pool of London docks while easing congestion on each side of the river. You can visit inside the tower and walk along the glass walkways. Weapons, armor, and coins were made here until 1810 and today you can view the famous crown jewels, walk the battlements, wander recreated medieval palace rooms, see the iconic Yeoman Warders (known as the Beefeaters as they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from King Henry VII’s table), and spot the legendary black ravens that live in the tower. Skip-the-line tickets are 29.90 GBP. Be aware that lines are long so it’s best to plan ahead.

3. Relax in Brighton

Brighton is a great little seaside resort town on the southern coast of England that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. Considered the hippest city in the UK, Brighton is known for being quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly. It’s a popular summer destination for locals who come here to relax on the beach, enjoy the fleeting summer sun, and wander the pier where there are amusement rides, carnival-style stalls, and street food.

4. Listen to music in Liverpool

Liverpool has spectacular museums, but as the World Capital City of Pop, the real reason to go is for the music, or more specifically, for The Beatles. The Beatles Story museum has all kinds of memorabilia and information about the famous band, who were from Liverpool. Besides the music, Liverpool has a rich history and culture as well as fun pubs, so don’t sell it short.

5. Check out Chatsworth House

Located in Derbyshire, this massive and lavish mansion was built in 1549 for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. While there are many beautiful houses and castles throughout the UK, this is one of the most astonishing. It’s so striking in fact, that countless films and TV series have been filmed here (including Peaky Blinders, Jane Eyre , and of course Pride and Prejudice ). The home has played a role in popular culture since it was mentioned in Jane Austen’s book, Pride and Prejudice in 1813. On your visit, you can wander the 25 stately rooms, stroll the 105-acre gardens, and make new furry friends in the operating farmyard. Admission to the house and garden costs 26 GBP (just the garden is 15 GBP).

6. Tour Oxford University

Founded in the 11th century in Oxford , this university is one of the oldest in the world. You can visit the many beautiful colleges within Oxford for just a few dollars, or you can take a 90-120 minute guided tour of the entire university with Bodleian Libraries (20 GBP). You can even see the colleges in which they filmed parts of Harry Potter ! For art history buffs, stop in at the free Ashmolean Museum on campus for impressive Eastern and Ancient Egyptian art collections.

7. Attend the festivals

England is known for its festivals, especially during the summer. For music, be sure to check out the famous (and muddy!) Glastonbury festival or the Liverpool International Music Festival. Also, the UK has three huge annual Pride events in London, Brighton, and Manchester. This is just the tip of the festival iceberg though as every city and town has a lot on offer.

8. See Stonehenge

Stonehenge , located just 15 minutes from Salisbury, is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world (dating to 2,500 BCE!). You can’t go up to the stones anymore, but it’s quite a fascinating site, especially since we still have very little idea how they dragged the stones there. The audio tour is worth getting so you can get some historical context on the site. Admission starts at 22 GBP.

9. Visit Old Trafford

I highly recommend a visit to Manchester United’s home stadium. With over 74,000 seats, it is the largest club football stadium in the UK and the 11th largest in all of Europe. The tour is awesome and takes you below the stadium seating into the player’s lounge, and even into the pitch-side dugout. Dig deeper into some football (aka soccer) history at the onsite museum. Admission is 35 GBP.

10. Admire Ely Cathedral

Also known as the ‘Ship of the Fens,’ this cathedral is visible everywhere in the small city of Ely in Cambridgeshire (and from miles around too). Originally built in the 12th century, it’s renowned for its Romanesque architecture, complete with a stunning entrance and an octagonal lantern tower. The Lady Chapel is the largest in all of England. The cathedral is also home to the National Stained Glass Museum, whose collection spans 800 years and includes stained glass from across the UK and Europe. Visiting the cathedral only costs 9 GBP (online, or 10 GBP on the day), entry to the museum is 5 GBP. Booking in advance is recommended if you want to join one of the tours which cost between 1.50-12 GBP.

11. Relax in Greenwich Park

Considered to be one of London’s largest parks, it is also one of the most beautiful — and a perfect escape from the city’s bustle. There are several historic sights here as well as a rose garden, meandering pathways, a tea house, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, a café, and even a deer park. It is the oldest enclosed royal park in London and a relaxing place to spend a few hours with a book.

12. Hike Hadrian’s Wall

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s wall has been standing since the 2nd century. It was built by the Romans to keep the Celts out of Roman England (though that didn’t work so well). While you can make a brief visit to see the fortifications and ancient walls in many spots of the country, if you’re up for it, you can also hike the entire 83-mile (135-kilometer) length of the wall itself (most people do it in 6-8 days).

13. Go to Salisbury

Not far from Stonehenge is the beautiful town of Salisbury . Just 1.5 hours from London by train, it has a breathtaking 750-year-old cathedral that is home to the Magna Carta and tombs dating back to 1099. Salisbury is one of the few places that wasn’t bombed during the World War II Blitz so it is beautifully preserved. Cathedral Close and Market Square are both worth visiting in Salisbury as well as Old Sarum (what is thought to be the original site of Salisbury) and Salisbury Museum.

14. Stay in Chester

I love an under-visited destination and, for me, Chester is one of those places. Chester’s center looks like something out of an old novel by Charles Dickens. The homes in Chester are typically Victorian in design and the old taverns, hotels, and little shops all have retained their charm and original look. There’s plenty to do in Chester, including walking along the city walls and seeing the rows of medieval houses that showcase the historic architecture. Chester Cathedral is over 1,000 years old and well worth a visit (it has been added to and restored but has kept its medieval feel). For something a little more contemporary, go on a river cruise.

15. Visit the colleges at Cambridge University

Like Oxford, Cambridge University is made up of different colleges. Founded in 1209, the University is an architectural delight and wandering around the many buildings in the city. Most notable include the stunning buildings at Kings and Queens Colleges as well as the iconic quads at St. Johns and Trinity. There are lots of walking tours to choose from if you want to learn more about Cambridge’s history and some are even led by the students themselves. Expect tours to last around 90 minutes and cost 20 GBP.

16. Enjoy afternoon tea

Tea is a scene unto itself in England. With a history dating back through the centuries, this tradition can be enjoyed at every level of your budget. Starting with just the drink, you can find quaint tea shops literally all over the country. There you can try different types of tea and a selection of cakes to go with it should you need a sweet treat. In Devon and Cornwall, you can have cream tea which is tea with scones, cream, and jam (although these are now often served in other places too). Afternoon tea, or high tea, is a more lengthy affair and comes first with finger sandwiches and tiny savory pastries, then with scones (with cream and jam) and little cakes. Some places offer a glass of champagne to go with it. Most traditional tea houses offer afternoon tea but if you’re after more of a sense of occasion and your budget can stretch to it), the big hotels also offer it every day.

17. Visit Bristol

Many people only pass through Bristol on their way to Bath but it’s really worth a visit of its own. With a population of 500,000, Bristol is a hip college town with amazing eateries, great food, wonderful things to see, lots of green space, and plenty of things to do. Aside from taking a walking tour (my must-do in any city!), some of my favorite things to do include a tour of Bristol’s Romanesque Cathedral that was built in 1148, wandering King’s Street, and admiring Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol has a great museum and art gallery that is worth a visit and I also really enjoyed St Nicholas’ Market. Other things worth doing include the S.S. Great Britain, the Avon Railway, and Blaise Castle.

  For more information on specific cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

England Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels cost 10-30 GBP a night for a dorm room. Amenities usually include free internet, breakfast, a common room, TV, and kitchen facilities. Private rooms in hostels start at around 50 GBP and go up from there. Campgrounds can be found all around the country, and most have basic facilities (such as bathrooms, electricity, and Wi-Fi). Expect to pay 10-20 GBP per night for a place to pitch your tent.

Budget hotels offer similar amenities and start around 60-80 GBP per night for a twin room but can be more like 120 GBP in peak season. Apartment rentals (like Airbnb) cost anywhere from 35-90 GBP per night for a private room depending on the city, while entire apartments/homes start around 90 GBP per night but average 110-120.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years, it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

A kebab costs around 5-6 GBP, burritos and sandwiches cost 6-10 GBP and traditional fish and chips cost about 10 GBP. Indian and Asian food can be purchased for 8-10 GBP. Pizza is usually 8-10 GBP. Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 6-7 GBP for a combo meal.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP and you can expect to pay at least 30-35 GBP for a three-course menu with a drink in a mid-range restaurant. A meal in a higher-range establishment costs upwards of 70 GBP.

Beer is around 6 GBP while a latte/cappuccino is 3-3.50 GBP. Bottled water is about 1.20 GBP.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

Backpacking England Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you need at least 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you can stay in hostel dorms, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, use public transit to get around, take the bus between cities, and take advantage of all the free sites in the country (free museums, parks, beaches, etc.). It’s a tight budget so if you want some more wiggle room, I’d add another 10-15 GBP per day, especially if you plan on drinking while you’re there.

On a mid-range budget of around 135 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, cook some meals and eat out at cheap pubs or fast food stalls, do some intercity travel by train (if you book early), have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and visit some paid attractions like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 GBP per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out wherever you want, drink more, take taxis and the train to get around, and do more tours and activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

England Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

England isn’t a cheap place to visit. You’re going to spend a lot of money here, especially if you stick to cities (and London will be about 30% more expensive than the rest of the country). However, there are plenty of ways to save if you know where to look. Here are my top ways to save money in England:

• Take advantage of the free museums – Public museums offer free admission in every city throughout England and the United Kingdom. It’s a great way to learn about influential artists, immerse yourself in the country’s history, and spend a rainy day without paying a cent.
• Book early – Book all transportation well in advance. You can find fares for around 2 GBP with a little planning. Megabus not only runs buses but also provides trains throughout England and is the best option for cheap travel throughout the country.
• Get a Taste of UK card – The Taste of the UK card offers up to 50% off and 2-for-1 deals at selected restaurants. You don’t need to be a United Kingdom resident to get the card and the first month’s membership fee is waived, which is perfect for most travelers.
• Eat pub food – Eating out in England can get quite expensive, but for good, cheap, and filling meals, visit the local pubs. Most serve food, and you can get a good meal for 10-15 GBP or less. Plus, the pubs are a great way to meet people!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in England offer free walking tours. They usually last a few hours and are a great way to see the city. Some tours even have a specific focus, such as history, food, or architecture. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Eat the lunch specials – Another way to lower your food expenses is to stick to eating out during lunch only. I typically do my eating out during lunch and then cook my dinner to lower my food costs.
• Visit the cathedrals – Many of England’s cathedrals are free to enter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of England’s 15th to 19th-century architecture. just make sure to dress and act appropriately.
• Get a London tourist pass – If you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing in London, the London Pass provides access to over 80 attractions via its 1-10 day passes. Other passes available include the London City Pass from Turbopass (which includes an option to add transport costs), and the London Sightseeing Pass. Compare prices and activities to see which pass is the best choice for you and your budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in England

England has tons of awesome and budget-friendly hostels. Here are my favorite places to stay in England:

• Astor Hyde Park (London)
• St. Christopher’s (London)
• YHA Manchester (Manchester)
• The Full Moon Backpackers (Bristol)
• Seadragon Backpackers (Brighton)
• Embassie Liverpool Backpackers (Liverpool)

How to Get Around England

Public transportation – England has excellent transportation in nearly every town and city, including buses, trains, and trams. Getting a travel pass is often far cheaper than buying single tickets as well. For example, in London, a one-way fare on the tube in Zone 1 costs 6.30 GBP, but getting a Visitor Oyster Card reduces that to 2.50 GBP per ride.

Train – In the United Kingdom, the National Rail service is always expensive. It’s one thing the locals love to complain about. A journey from London to Liverpool can cost as little as 25 GBP or as much as 150 GBP! Who knows? Prices flucuate a lot! The earlier you book the better.

You can use the National Rail website or Trainline to research schedules and prices.

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work .

Bus – The cheapest way to travel around the country is via Megabus, where fares start at 1 GBP. You need to book at least a month in advance, but even if you miss that deal, fares are rarely more than 10-15 GBP. Flixbus also has cheap fares starting at just 3 GBP.

National Express is the other main bus company in England, and they offer great discount passes to full-time students and people under 26 years old. The passes cost 12.50 GBP and give 30% or more off adult fares.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Domestic flights around England are cheap when booked in advance. A flight from London to Manchester or Liverpool costs around 49 GBP and takes about an hour. However, once you factor in getting to and from the airport, it ends up almost always being faster to take the train unless you’re traveling far (such as from London to Scotland).

Car Rentals – Car rentals can be an affordable option in England, costing as little as 20-30 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Don’t forget you have to drive on the left, and most cars are standard rather than automatic. Additionally, drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle here.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to England

Thanks to its temperate climate, visiting England year-round is enjoyable as there are very few weather extremes. Summer is peak tourism season, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 30°C (86°F). Although tourist sites and attractions are teeming with people, there’s also a great atmosphere in the air. People make the most of the warm weather, and there are tons of events and festivals happening all over the country.

Spring (late April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are still warm and the crowds are a bit thinner. Plus, with the seasons changing, you either see gorgeous spring flowers in bloom or the leaves turning color in autumn. Just be prepared for a little rain.

Winter lasts from December to February and tourism crowds thin out dramatically. You can still do plenty of sightseeing, although further north (or in mountainous areas) some attractions may be closed for the season. Temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F) so dress warmly. Snow is not uncommon.

Keep in mind that England is famous for its gloomy, dreary weather. It can rain a lot, so make sure you pack some weather clothes and some waterproof gear no matter when you visit.

How to Stay Safe in England

England is very safe and the risk of violent crime here is very low. Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, however, especially in London around tourist attractions like the Tower of London. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo travelers, including solo female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

While break-ins are rare, if you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight just to be safe.

Scams here are rare, however, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

England Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of England.
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

England Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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Backpacking in Europe , Backpacking in the United Kingdom , Budget Travel Guides , Travel Tips

The cheapest way to travel in england.

Great Britain isn’t the cheapest destination to visit, but it needn’t cost the earth.  If you’re planning to come backpacking in England or simply want to travel Britain on a budget there are a few tricks that can help your hard-earned cash go further.  Check out my tips for travelling in the UK on a budget, with these recommendations for the cheapest way to travel in England!

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My Top Tip for Backpacking in England

If you plan to spend a while exploring England (like more than two weeks), then you should consider a work exchange.  Work exchanges are a great way to save money while travelling as you get free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work. 

Work exchange websites like Worldpackers have listings of available placements that you can check out, and they are offering all Tales of a Backpacker readers a $10 discount on yearly membership .  Sign up here or get more information about how work exchanges work here .   

ACTIVATE YOUR DISCOUNT CODE

Cheap Travel to England

Cheap Flights to England from Europe

Thankfully, there are plenty of cheap airlines that fly into the UK from Europe.  Easyjet , Ryanair , Vueling and others all have cheap flights to England and the rest of the UK, depending on your starting location – but as with any airline, their prices change drastically depending on demand. 

Peak times around summer holidays, Christmas and school holidays always cost more than off-peak dates, and can even cost more than traditional airlines. 

Book your flights in advance when you can, and be flexible on the dates you fly and the airport you fly to.  I always use a flight comparison site like Skyscanner to find the best deals and airports.  Skyscanner has a useful function to check dates around your preferred day, as well as nearby airports.

Remember to plan your travel from the airport to your destination before you book the flight – often the cheapest flights land at a time when there is no public transport available, so once you’ve factored in a taxi fare, that cheap flight doesn’t seem like such a bargain!

Cheap Flights to England from The USA

Travelling to the UK from the US, or other further afield destinations obviously isn’t as cheap.  Look out for flight deals and so-called ‘error fares’ in advance, and try to be flexible on the dates you fly.  You could also consider flying into another European city then taking a low-cost European flight or bus to reach the UK. 

US airports on the East Coast like Boston, Newark or New York tend to be cheaper to reach Europe, as they’re closer, so you could take a cheap internal flight to one of those airports before taking the international flight.  Try searching on a flight comparison site like Skyscanner to find cheap flights to the UK from America.

Cheap Buses to England

There are a few international bus services, for example  FlixBus , where you can find good deals if you are prepared for a long journey, and potential traffic jams.  The buses are comfortable, are equipped with toilets, and usually free wifi and plug sockets too, although this isn’t guaranteed on FlixBus.  You can also check routes and prices on Omio . 

European buses that also come to the UK may have European sockets, so remember to bring a converter if you need one.  Travelling overnight also helps to save money on a night in a hostel or hotel, so taking a bus is usually the cheapest way to travel to England!

READ MORE: Cheap Places to Visit in the UK on a Budget

Cheap Travel to England by Ferry

Ferries to England operate from surrounding countries like France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Spain.  Personally, it’s not my favourite way to travel due to seasickness , but booking an overnight ferry can also save you money on accommodation and become part of your trip, more than just a flight to a destination.  

Journeys tend to be long and can get rough in poor weather – but in good weather, think of it as a mini cruise.  I haven’t used them myself, but there are ferry journey comparison sites like Ferries.co.uk which list available routes.

Cheap Travel in England

Cheap bus travel in england.

Bus travel is the cheapest way to travel in England, in particular using Megabus which offers some routes for as low as £1.  They don’t cover all routes though, so it depends on your destination, but for value, they really are hard to beat! 

Book your tickets online, and be sure to be at the bus station in plenty of time for your journey to be first in line and get your pick of the seats.

Within towns & cities, most bus companies will offer a ‘Day Rider’ ticket which is usually cheaper than buying a return and means you can ride anywhere on that bus company during that day. 

Some cities like Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle have tram and metro services which are usually easier to navigate than complex bus routes, and of course, London has the underground which can seem complicated at first but is easy once you figure it out!  Buses are the cheapest way to travel in London, although it does take longer than the underground.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to Fall in Love with London in 2 Days

Cheap Train Travel in the UK

Train prices can vary dramatically depending on the route and the time of day you want to travel.  British rail companies like you to be organised, so booking your train in advance can mean vast savings!  Even booking just the day before instead of buying at the station makes a big difference. 

There are several websites where you can book online, and then use a ‘Fast Ticket’ machine to collect your ticket from the station, using the credit or debit card you used to purchase the tickets. 

I like the website First Transpennine Express as you can buy tickets for any rail company, and they don’t charge a booking fee like most of the other sites.

Peak journey times are around rush hour in the morning and afternoon, so try to avoid travelling then if you can.

If you are looking online and still find your tickets to be too expensive, try breaking up your journey.  If your chosen route has a change in it, try searching for a train to the change station, and then a separate ticket to the final destination. 

Or mix it up and try looking at a map to see if you can figure out another route!  I saved £20 on a single journey just by doing that.

Car Sharing in the UK: Bla Bla Car

Kind of like Airbnb for cars, Bla Bla Car is an excellent example of the Sharing Economy actually helping real people save money on their petrol costs, and allowing you to travel around the UK on a budget.  Input your journey requirements and see who is going that way and can pick you up.  In my experience prices are a lot cheaper than travelling by train, and if you can get the right route a lot simpler too. 

Try and be flexible with dates to give you more chance of finding a suitable journey, and check the reviews of potential drivers to make sure you get a responsible and safe driver.  The payment is processed online, then after the journey provide your driver with your booking code to release the payment & allow you to both leave a review for each other.

Hitchhiking in England

Hitchhiking isn’t common in England, although it might be possible I have never done it here myself.  There are safety issues to consider if you are a solo female traveller and as it is quite unusual to see anyone hitchhiking I don’t know how much luck you would have finding a ride so I wouldn’t recommend it.  

Cheap Accommodation in the UK

Cheap Hotels and Hostels in the UK

Finding budget accommodation in the UK isn’t too hard.  Hostels can be found in most locations in the UK, check Hostelworld or  Booking  for your destination to find the best deals.

YHA is a national charity that has hostels all over the UK and helps to create opportunities for young people to experience more of the country, arranging school trips and summer camps.  You can stay at one of their many hostels, donate, or even volunteer at one of the hostels if you apply on their website .

If you are travelling in a couple, often simple bed & breakfasts can work out cheaper than two hostel beds, or only slightly more expensive – the extra privacy is often worth the extra cash.  They can usually be found on booking.com as well.

Travelodge is a chain of budget hotels that are spread throughout the country, their rates tend to be cheaper during the week and for off-peak times, but prices are worth comparing as they don’t advertise on comparison sites like booking.com.  Similarly, Premier Inn is a slightly more expensive, slightly higher quality than Travelodge which is worth a look too.

Accommodation in London is more expensive than anywhere else in the country, and usually, prices in the South of England are more expensive than in the rest of the country, so you will have to adjust your budget accordingly.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Why You NEED to Visit the North of England

Couchsurfing in England

Couchsurfing is available in a lot of areas of the UK; where homeowners offer up their sofa for guests willing to exchange cultural knowledge and perhaps cooking a meal or two for a free place to crash for a while.  Check reviews carefully before you agree to stay, and exchange a few messages with your potential host to see if you get along.

Airbnb in England

Airbnb offers an alternative to hotel & hostel stays where you stay in someone’s home in their spare room, or sometimes have a whole flat to yourself. 

Prices vary wildly depending on location and size of the space you book.  It can work out cheaper especially if you are travelling in a group, or staying for a long period of time as you usually have access to a kitchen so you can cook ‘at home’ to save money on buying meals out. 

Again, check reviews carefully and be sure to confirm your arrival time and arrangements for picking up keys.  When searching on Airbnb, the prices are quoted per night, then they will calculate the full price including service charge and cleaning fees – sometimes what looks to be a cheaper option at first look can end up being more expensive than you expected once the total cost has been calculated.  Read my full Airbnb guide for more information .  

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Free Things to do in York

Cheap Things to do in England

There are plenty of free things to do in England, from exploring destinations on foot to hiking and biking around the countryside or visiting free attractions and museums.  If you are planning to spend a lot of time in England and visit some of the most famous historic sites such as Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall then it might be worth paying for a membership to the National Trust or English Heritage which both work out as excellent value if you make the most out of it.

Have you been travelling around the UK on a budget?  Do you have any tips and tricks to share?  I’d love to hear your stories!

Like this post? Pin it to read later:

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

20 thoughts on “ The Cheapest Way to Travel in England ”

I hope you have a great time in England – I haven’t been to Bognor Regis so I can’t comment on that but London and Liverpool are both wondrful cities to explore!

my flight to London will be on Wednesday.. will spend 10 days there.. also plan to go to Liverpool and bognor regis.. after 24 years.. don’t really know what to expect.. thanks for the tips 🙂

UK is a dream destination for us and we hope to get there sooner rather than later. London and the English countryside is something we look forward to. We know that UK is expensive, hence these tips are something that will come a long way in helping cut costs/

Awesome, I love all the suggestions and links you included here. Very useful!

Hi Cindi! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Actually I haven’t been to the Cotswolds, but from what I gather that is more of a countryside area. York is a beautiful small city, with plenty of countryside close-by – perfect for a weekend trip from London. But if the countryside is what he likes & you only have a day perhaps the Cotswolds might be better?

Claire, thanks for all this info! We’re taking our 18 yr old grandson to London for his hi school graduation. if we can only do one day trip, should we do The Cotswalds or York? He’s very interested in seeing the countryside. Thanks! Cindi

Thanks Claudia! I prefer the train, definitely! When you find a good rate it’s a bargain but sometimes it is so expensive!

Great post, reminds me of our journey to the UK. We tried all different transport methods but for us the Train was the clear winner especially for the long distances between cities. We traveled from London to Manchester for less than £30!

Staying at hostels in the UK have saved my budget countless times. I don’t even look into hotels anymore because I can extend my stay or do more activities if I spend less on accommodations. Finding error fares is also a golden rule!

Great idea! I tend to save money on accommodation so I can eat nice food 😉 But I still like to treat myself to a private room every now and again

Thanks Marie! 🙂

Ah yes, students get discounts on so much stuff! I’m too old for that now unfortunately, but great tip for students out there! Thanks 🙂

I wish Brexit will go away and it was all a dream! Hmm, I suppose it depends on where you can get good flight deals to/from home as your first concern, and the time of year if you are travelling a long period – summer in the UK & Northern Europe is better, then head South to the Mediterranean in cooler months!

Same. I budget transportation and getting around so I can get comfy place to stay

I definitely want to visit UK. Hopefully next year it’s still a good time. Not sure how Brexit will change by next year. Is UK better to start off from or end up in if I’m planning a Europe trip. Keep in mind, coming from Asia.

Thanks for the great tips! I was living in the UK for a year before I started university, and our favorite way to travel was by taking the train. Our international student cards also got us some huge discounts off transport, tickets, and even clothes! So I recommend that too if anyone is traveling as a student 🙂

These are great tips for anyone travelling to the UK. I especially like the car sharing tip such a brilliant idea.

What great tips — I hope to explore the UK very soon. I personally try to budget my flights and general spending so that I can spend a bit more on a comfy room 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Helena! There are always ways to save money travelling, they just take a bit of work sometimes 🙂

I love budget travel tips to destinations that are generally considered expensive. Great post thanks for sharing!

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Travel to England on a Budget

Last Updated: November 24, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Exploring England can feel like the trip of a lifetime and it's completely possible to do on a budget! Since it's such a popular destination, you've got lots of options when it comes to flights and accommodations. This means you can easily find a discount flight and use public transit to get around. Plus, there's so much you can do for free or very cheap once you're in England. We've put together some money-saving tips so you plan the British trip of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Plan your trip between November and March.

• Expect the winter temperatures to hover around 48 °F (9 °C). You should also be prepared for rain!
• Most British people take their holidays in July and August so prices jump and you'll have fewer options during these summer months.

Fly into Stansted Airport (STN) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR).

• If you're not planning on exploring London, Manchester and Birmingham service budget airlines so they're great arrival points.
• Be open to flying into Europe if it saves you money. You may be able to get a cheap flight to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. Then, take the Eurostar Channel Tunnel train into London. This usually takes a few hours but could save you hundreds of dollars.

Choose a discount airline and book in advance.

• When you search for flights, look for weekday flights instead of weekend options. These are often 10% cheaper!

Plan a long trip to maximize your flight expenses.

• For instance, instead of booking a flight that gives you 5 days to spend in England, take at least 2 weeks. Your flight expenses will be the same either way, but you can pack more experiences into a longer trip so it's a better value.

Explore England by public transit.

• London buses don't access cash, so you have to buy tickets in advance. You can buy a single trip for around £1.55 or spend a maximum of £4.65 to ride for a whole day.
• If you buy an Oyster card, you can load it with as much money as you like. As you travel, you'll tap the card to the payment system on the bus or tube and it will automatically deduct the cost of the ride. However, it will price cap so you don't end up spending more than the daily rate.

Hop on a coach or train to travel throughout England.

• Megabus is a popular discount coach service that even connects stops in England with popular destinations in Scotland. [6] X Research source It offers a number of cheap tickets, so book early to snag them. As the tickets sell, the price goes up.

Stay in an inexpensive hotel or hostel.

• Don't forget to check home-share apps for the city you're staying in. You may be able to rent just 1 room and save a little money.
• If the weather looks alright when you're traveling, consider camping. You can find campsites or ask a landowner for permission to camp if you find a beautiful location. [8] X Research source

Book an affordable bed and breakfast to save on meals.

• You may also get drink service and cookies in your room!
• Your B&B owner may offer an inexpensive evening meal or they may sell a cheap, packed lunch or dinner that you can take with you on your travels for the day.

Save money by eating at food carts or small restaurants.

• England offers a wide variety of cuisines, especially in larger cities. You can find delicious Chinese, Italian, Thai, and Indian food throughout the country. [11] X Research source
• Plan on spending around £10 for a meal with a drink in most pubs or chain restaurants.
• Feeling overwhelmed by all the options around you? Ask a local and let them know you're on a budget. They'll probably be able to point out a few great options.

Hit up a free museum or do a self-guided tour.

• Watch the changing of the Guards in London
• Explore the beauty at Dimminsdale Nature Reserve in Leicestershire
• Tour a Winchester Military Museum in Hampshire
• Enjoy a picnic in Bath's Alexandra Park in Somerset
• Check out a local festival like the International Kite Festival in Lancashire

Invest in a London Pass if you plan to hit the city's tourist sites.

• Tower of London
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Kensington Palace
• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tour
• Royal Albert Hall tour

Check out inexpensive shows, concerts, or markets.

• For instance, spend a few hours shopping at London's vintage clothing stores or check out a used bookstore.
• Check local papers to find inexpensive events that are happening while you're in town.
• Rent a bike to pedal through the city so you can take in more sights.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.frommers.com/destinations/england/planning-a-trip/when-to-go
• ↑ https://www.frommers.com/tips/money-and-currency/40-tips-for-making-london-cheaper
• ↑ Angela Rice. Travel Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
• ↑ https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/london-bus
• ↑ https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/National-Railcards.aspx
• ↑ https://uk.megabus.com/journey-planner/map
• ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/how-travel-cheap-save-money-hotels-airbnb-deals-hostels-travel-apps-homestays-farmstays-camping-a7229701.html
• ↑ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/08/wild-camping/
• ↑ https://petergreenberg.com/2008/03/26/is-a-bed-breakfast-stay-right-for-you/
• ↑ https://youtu.be/w5ak3mMgHZY?t=194
• ↑ https://www.chefspencil.com/the-10-most-popular-ethnic-cuisines-in-the-uk/
• ↑ https://www.visitengland.com/things-to-do/free
• ↑ https://londonpass.com/en-us/london-attractions
• ↑ https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/budget-london/101-free-things-to-do-in-london

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How to Travel the UK on the Cheap

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The UK is one of the most expensive countries in Europe — and if you’re planning a trip, you might be daunted by the cost of transportation within the UK.

But it is very possible to travel the UK for cheap!

Since settling in Chester, I’ve found a host of ways to save money on transportation.  And all of them have one thing in common:

BOOK EARLY.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or air — booking early will nearly always save you money, and booking last minute will always be exponentially more expensive.

Now that that’s out of the way, here are some ways to save money on different kinds of UK transportation:

Cheap UK Train Travel

Train travel in the UK is incredibly romantic, and you can easily watch the scenery go by for hours — bright green hills, sheep, newly plowed fields, tiny villages…it’s my favorite way to travel the UK.

Most of the time, it’s also the easiest and fastest way to travel — though not the cheapest.

If you’re not a UK resident and planning on traveling lots of long distances in the UK by train, look into a Britrail Pass .  If you’re just booking occasional journeys, read on.

Check the Megatrain and Virgin Train sites first for absurdly cheap train routes.  These two sites tend to promote the same routes.

Next, no matter which destination you choose, check out The Trainline’s Fare Finder — it will show you the cheapest tickets for various dates and times.  Either way, booking on The Trainline is usually cheaper than other sites.

On all the aforementioned sites, you buy tickets online, then use the same credit card to retrieve your tickets at the station.

What to know:  Be flexible on stations.  I was looking for Chester-Edinburgh round-trip fares and couldn’t find anything for less than an astounding £150.  Then I found out that there are cheap fares on Megatrain from Warrington Bank Quay to Glasgow, a short trip from Edinburgh.  I had never heard of Warrington Bank Quay, but it’s only a few stops away from Chester!

I paid normal fares from Chester to Warrington and from Glasgow to Edinburgh — but from Warrington to Glasgow, the longest part of the journey, I found a super-cheap £9 fare.

Cheap UK Coach Travel

The thing about bus (or coach) travel is that you need to evaluate the positives and negatives.  Yes, bus travel can be much cheaper than the train, but it can also take a lot longer, and most find it less pleasant (though all the coaches I’ve seen have been immaculate).

I usually book a coach when traveling from Chester to London.  The fastest trip is five hours (while the train takes 2.5 hours and costs at least three times as much).   To me, five hours on a bus is definitely doable, while 11 hours to Scotland is not worth it.  I may have managed a 32-hour bus journey in Southeast Asia , but I have no intentions of repeating that here!

First, check out Megabus for the cheapest fares of the bunch, then check out National Express  for cheap fares but more convenient times.

What to know:  Again, book as early as possible, especially on Megabus — they even have £1 fares!  Also, keep in mind that you must wear a seatbelt at all times — it’s UK law.

Cheap UK Air Travel

I wouldn’t recommend air travel in the UK most of the time — the sheer act of flying requires so much more time and effort, that it’s not worth it.  But it can be useful for exceptionally large distances, like London to Aberdeen or Inverness.

My go-to flight search engine is Kayak  because it’s the best.  Be sure to check airline sites as well for unpublished fares.  Budget airline  Easyjet has several domestic routes in the UK.

What to know: Budget airlines usually fly at inconvenient times from out-of-the-way airports. Take this into account and make sure you have someone to drive you, or your Uber might be more expensive.

Creative UK Travel Options

None of these float your fancy?  There are a few other options.  Rideshare sites are growing more popular in the UK.  My friend Dylan swears by hitchhiking.  And you could also do Britain’s most intimidating walk: Land’s End to John O’Groats (also known as walking from Great Britain’s lower left corner to its upper right corner.)

One thing that I’d love to do: rent a narrow boat in Chester and travel by the canals in the northwest, going through canal locks and everything!

The one thing you should NOT skip to save money in the UK? Travel insurance ! I never travel with it and it will save you a lot of money if something happens on your trip. I use and recommend World Nomads.

Any more tips for cheap transportation in the UK?  Share in the comments!

30+ England Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’ve clicked over to this frighteningly long list of England travel tips, that must mean you’re soon headed to England for the first time… and I won’t lie – I’m irrationally jealous of you.

My first visit to England was a glorious mix of bucket list check-offs, giggling at things like “spotted dick pudding”, and trying not to accidentally die while crossing the street. It was an incredible time, and I still nostalgically look back on that trip fondly.

Now, years later (thanks largely to my English boyfriend) I’ve spent the better part of a decade exploring all corners of this scenic country, and I’m condensing that experience into this list of travel tips for England.

So, if you want to travel England with my sage (and weirdly specific) wisdom on your side, read on. In this post, I’ll share all sorts of England travel tips that your typical travel guides might not include, from all the words/names you’re saying wrong to where locals actually eat on a budget.

… I hope you find it helpful!

NOTE: It goes without saying that these England travel tips are written from a North American perspective, so apologies if some seem like common sense. I just wanted to cover all our bases!

Save this list of England travel tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Know the difference between England, Great Britain and the UK 

First off – you might have noticed that this post is titled “England travel tips” rather than UK tips or Great Britain tips.

… And there’s a good reason for that!

These names are oftentimes used interchangeably, but there actually is a difference. And because I’m an annoying nerd, I’m going to tell you all about it.

Put simply, the UK (United Kingdom) is an umbrella term that includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as seen here:

In contrast, Great Britain refers to just the island, i.e. the piece of land that includes England, Scotland and Wales. (Essentially the UK, minus Northern Ireland).

And then of course England refers to one of the constituent parts of Great Britain – the part that houses all those famous English places you’ve no doubt heard of, from South Coast towns like Bournemouth , Brighton and Poole to Northern hotspots like Liverpool and Durham Cathedral (as seen in Harry Potter).

Why am I rambling about this? Well, culturally, there’s MANY differences between the different parts of the UK, so just be mindful of that and don’t do silly things like ask English people if they wear kilts.

2. Beware the variation in accents 

For my fellow period drama bingers, I have some bad news: the so-called “British accent” that we’ve collectively swooned over for years? Yeah – that doesn’t really exist.

Or, more accurately, there’s hundreds of “British accents” out there, only a small percentage of which sound like the generic sort of posh accent we’ve come to label as “THE British accent”.

In reality, people across England have wildly different accents and dialects. You can watch this video for an example of 20 different ones.

So, just be prepared for the fact that you may have difficulty understanding/keeping up, depending on where you are, and try to avoid complimenting people on their “British accent” because that term in itself doesn’t really mean anything.

3. Understand there’s way more to England than just London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and in fairness, I do think it’s an absolutely incredible place to go, whether you only have three days there or more.

BUT – there’s so much more to England than just London.

I’ve already written about all my favourite places in England besides London, but just a few of my favourite favourites include…

• The South Coast, with its soft sandy beaches and dramatic coastline
• The gorgeous villages of the Cotswolds
• The hilly hikes of the Peak District
• The droolworthy scenery of the Lake District

… and the list goes on.

Luckily, England is quite compact, so you can definitely fit in a lot of destinations in one trip if you wanted to. So… want to. Please 🙂

4, Learn where to find budget-friendly stays

Now in terms of booking places to stay, there are of course a ton of options, with a wild range from backpacker hostels and cozy inns to the most opulent of castles and manor houses.

Trust me when I say in England, there’s something for every budget.

But if you’re reading this article right now, I’m assuming you’re not a Swiss billionaire with limitless ‘castle’ money, so I’m going to focus more on budget-friendly accommodation tips for England. If I’ve assumed wrong…. call me.

Now, you can check out my step by step process for booking cheap accommodation if you want a more thorough overview, but here are some quick tips for England budget accommodation.

Firstly, one very cheap hotel chain to look out for is Premier Inn. They have locations all around the UK and tend to be some of the more reliable budget-friendly options, and they famously don’t make themselves available on 3rd party sites so be sure to check them directly for availability.

Another option if you’re on a budget is pubs! A lot of first time visitors are surprised to see that you can stay in pubs, but many pubs actually have a few rooms they rent out upstairs or on the property so don’t be afraid of trying those out on your trip.

5. Before you leave, make sure you have a good credit card 

Remember that old adage “cash is king?”

Sadly, in England, that throne has been usurped by contactless card payments.

Over the past few years, I’ve found that there are increasingly places that do not accept cash, so if you don’t have a good credit card with minimal fees, get one.

I highly recommend Wise for that purpose. They offer a free card that allows you to “send and spend money around the world at the real exchange rate”, avoiding hidden fees in the process, plus two free ATM withdrawals per month overseas.

You can use my referral link here to transfer your first $500 fee-free.

NOTE: I’ve also had a good experience with Revolut when I lived in Germany, but they don’t offer services for Canadians so I can no longer use them.

6. Be careful crossing the street

Here’s a very unique and unheard of England travel tip: don’t get run over.

No. Seriously. Be careful.

The prospect of ‘left side driving’ might seem quirky and fun if you’re not used to it, but the oft forgotten consequence for pedestrians is that cars will be coming from a different direction than you’re used to, so your natural instincts when crossing the street will be thrown off.

So, be sure to properly check both directions before crossing.

7. Prepare for some common vocabulary differences

It’s no secret that North American English and UK English can differ a lot, not just in terms of accents but also in the words we use.

So here are some basic must-knows that you might encounter:

• the loo or the toilet = washroom or bathroom
• lift = elevator
• boot (of a car) = trunk
• queue = line-up
• pavement = sidewalk
• petrol = gas
• football = soccer
• quid = pound/unit of currency (e.g. 5 quid = 5 pounds)

Now oftentimes especially in more touristy areas, they’ll still understand if you use the wrong word, but quite often they won’t… And you may get publicly mocked by a pub employee for asking where the washroom is (sad true story).

… So yes, adapt to British English wherever possible. It’ll make your life much easier (and less embarrassing).

8. Know that “You alright? You okay?” is a greeting

Upon your first trip to England, you may discover that people are suddenly very concerned with your well-being.

Choruses of “Are you okay?” and “Are you alright?” are sure to feature prominently in your day to day.

Well, here’s some good news: they don’t think you’re in danger. They’re genuinely just saying hi. These phrases are common greetings, and don’t ask me how long it took me to realize this.

Think of it as a British “hey what’s up?”

9. Beware that many names aren’t pronounced how they look

British English is a trap. There – I said it.

Often first-time visitors are embarrassed to discover they’ve been saying famous place names wrong, and (in meaner cases) are even mocked for it once they arrive.

But it’s not you! It’s the letters! They’re confusing. And yes, I intend to start a “British place name confusion” support group soon.

But to prioritize more… preventive measures, here are some common traps for you to keep in mind so you don’t sound silly and can properly ask for directions:

If there’s a place name that ends in -ham, the H is almost always silent, and it’s more like an mm sound, rather than Ham (like the cured pork). Similarly, “-heim” is usually an mmm sound as well, like in Blenheim Palace.

If there’s a place name that ends in -shire, it’s usually not pronounced shy-er (like the Shire in Lord of the Rings), it’s shurr. A lot of counties will end like this, like Hampshire. Not Hampshire.

If you see a W in the middle of the place name, often it’s silent. So, Norwich is Nor-itch, not Nor-witch. Similarly, Greenwich is Gren-itch, not Green Witch.

If a place name ends in -mouth, it’s almost never mouth (like the thing you stuff food in), it’s usually pronounced myth, so Bournemouth is not Born-mouth, it’s Born-myth.

Lastly, one of the trickiest ones, if you ever see a name ending with -cester, very rarely is it pronounced like that. It’s almost always something shorter, like Bicester is “Bister”, Leicester is “Less-ter”, not Lay-sess-ter and Worcester is “Wuster”.

PS: As a bonus, London’s famous River Thames is pronounced “Tems”, not “thay-ms”.

10. Respect England’s queuing culture

Another important cultural etiquette must-know is to abide by England’s queuing culture. 

Queuing or lining up is essential in England, so make sure you don’t accidentally cut queues or budge. That’s the easiest way to instantly anger an English person (that and making tea in a microwave, I guess).

11. And stand on the right side of escalators

Another great way to make English people angry? Blocking their way on the escalator.

Remember: in England, the right side of escalators is for standing, while the left side is reserved for people who are walking.

12. Avoid public transport during rush hours… and during big events like sports games

When you’re a tourist, you have the luxury of flexibility so don’t try to cram into public transport with all the locals during their commute to/from work. It really is the worst.

… Especially if you get stuck on transport while there’s a big football game on. Oof – I can smell it now.

As an added bonus, peak vs. offpeak pricing for transport is quite common, so you’ll actually save money if you choose to travel during offpeak periods (usually early in the morning, in the afternoon, or later at night – basically whenever people aren’t trying to get to/from work).

13. Prepare yourself for scaffolding and restorations

England’s lengthy history is responsible for a lot of things: fascinating ruins, majestic palaces, museums aplenty and… a booming scaffolding industry.

Yes, sadly the downside of England’s old age is that many of its monuments are regularly undergoing restoration work, which involves unsightly scaffolding in the best of cases, and complete coverage in the worst of cases.

For instance, here’s what London’s famous ‘Big Ben’ looked like for a few years:

And here’s what the majestic Manchester Town Hall looked like on my recent visit:

Of course, there’s not much that can be done about this (unless you’re that aforementioned Swiss billionaire) but it’s good to keep in mind just so you can temper your expectations a little bit.

14. Keep your phone out of easy reach at all times

I’ve previously written all about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , and while pickpocketing does happen in England, the more prevalent threat these days in big cities is actually phone snatching.

… and if you’re like me and consider your phone the closest thing you have to a child, then you’ll want to take special care and attention to ensure it doesn’t get phone-napped while you’re out exploring.

This means not having your phone out in easily grabbable situations (e.g. texting next to a bike lane, where someone could just take it) or leaving it out in easily grabbable places (e.g. on a terrace table).

Avoid having your phone out unless you absolutely need it, and your baby will be fine.

15. Give English food a chance

Thanks to revolting-sounding foods like “beans on toast” and that “spotted dick pudding” I mentioned earlier, English food has suffered some pretty bad bullying over the years.

But don’t listen to the haters – English food can actually be super delicious, especially if you’re into hearty comfort food (usually) slathered in a biblical flood of gravy.

So if you’re looking for England food tips/recommendations, here are my non-negotiable must-tries:

• Full English Breakfast
• Sunday Roast / Roast Dinner
• Fish and Chips (preferably by the sea)
• (Savoury) Pie 
• Sausage Rolls
• Bangers and Mash
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage pie

16. And give International cuisines a try too 

As we all know, the British Empire once covered a quarter of the world’s population.

The history there is dark but one (more positive) consequence has been that England is home to some amazing food from around the world, especially in big cities like London and Manchester.

So, don’t feel like you need to stick to solely English food.

Overwhelmed? Indian food in England is an especially popular choice, but you can always try to find a food market or hall (of which there are many in the big cities) and sample a bunch of cuisines at once.

17. Beware of the many meanings of “pudding”

In North America, pudding refers to a creamy type of dessert, usually served in a little cup, which acts as a beacon of nostalgia and deliciousness for kids across the continent.

In England, the word pudding has a different meaning. Multiple different meanings, actually.

In fact, I might argue it’s one of the more confusing words in British English, but allow me to illustrate my point with a few examples:

• Generally, pudding is a word that means dessert, so if someone asks if you want pudding, they’re asking if you want dessert, to which I hope you answer “absolutely”
• Yorkshire pudding however refers to a deep fried dough thing that’s served with roast dinners – it’s literally pancake mix prepared differently, but it’s SO good with gravy
• Black pudding is a blood sausage sometimes served with a Full English breakfast
• There’s also bread pudding which is basically stale bread with eggs and milk, but… also good

In summary, pudding has a lot of different meanings depending on the context, so don’t be too thrown off by this.

18. Know where to find cheap eats

Now, while the choices are endless and enticing, the truth is it can be kind of pricey to dine out in England…

Fret not however, there’s a few easy ways to save.

First off – Meal Deals are a lifesaver. A lot of big chain places in England do them – you basically get a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. And it’s a great way to fill up quickly and on a budget!

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

For a “nice” sit-down meal with drinks, look into lunch specials or early dinner specials. Many places in England offer special deals if you dine early, which works out well for North American visitors because our meal times tend to be a bit earlier than England’s anyway.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a VERY cheap sit-down meal with drinks, there’s a chain of pubs across the UK known as Wetherspoon, or Spoons.

It’s a bit controversial for a lot of reasons I won’t get into, but there’s literally almost 900 of them across the UK and they’re super popular because their prices are astoundingly cheap for both food and drink. 

19. Learn how to tip in England

In terms of tipping, tipping culture isn’t as big in England as in North America. People tend to only tip for good service and it’s typically around 10%. 

When ordering at the bar, it’s not even the norm to tip at all (although a bit in a tip jar would always be appreciating).

It’s worth noting however that these days, a lot of restaurants are starting to add something called a Discretionary Service Charge of 10-12.5%. You will see this added to your bill, and they will assume you’re paying it unless you say otherwise.

If however you don’t want to pay the charge (and you lack my social awkwardness/anxiety) you can simply say so and they will remove it.

20. When visiting pubs, it’s common to order at the bar

If you come from a non-pubby culture like mine, this may be new information to you: in England, it’s very common to order up at the bar (meaning where the beer taps, etc. are) rather than wait for table service.

This goes for both drinks and food (if the pub you’re visiting offers it).

Usually this ensures quicker service because you get your drinks instantly, and you don’t need to wait for a server to come along.

… This also means that you don’t need a table to be served drinks, which is why it’s quite common to see people sipping pints out on the street during busy periods.

NOTE: If you plan to order food at the bar, take note of your table number so that you can give it to them when they ask.

21. Avoid renting a car unless you’re going to small villages or nature spots

Alright, now let’s talk about some transport tips for England, and how to get around.

To start, I would say for (most) first-time visitors, it doesn’t make sense to rent a car.

Not only is driving on the left side of the road going to be a challenge for a lot of newbies, it can also be quite pricey and you’ll find that most big cities and towns are well serviced by public transport.

That said, there’s of course a few exceptions. If your itinerary includes a lot of smaller villages or nature spots, then renting a car is probably the best way to see those more remote parts of England… but generally speaking, if you’re just visiting big cities, you won’t need a car rental.

Still considering it? Here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

NOTE: Renting a car isn’t the only way to see more remote places in England! There are many companies that offer day tours from larger towns/cities so you can enjoy all the scenery without worrying about endangering the British public with your left side driving.

22. Know the difference between individual train companies and “National Rail”

Another common way to get around England is by train.

If you’re unfamiliar with taking trains, you should probably read my step by step guide to train travel in Europe , because it’s actually not that intuitive.

But with the UK, there are some additional confusing things for first time visitors, so I’ll go through them now.

Overall, what you need to know is there are about two dozen different companies offering rail service in the UK, all with their own names (e.g. Southwestern Rail, Avanti West Coast, etc.

However, the term you’ll encounter more often is “National Rail”, which is an umbrella term mainly used for branding and consistency that includes many different train companies.

So, just know that there is no such thing as “National Rail” branded trains – when you are booking tickets or boarding your train, you’ll want to look for the specific company you’ve booked with.

23. Use Trainline to easily look up trains

Of course, you can use the National Rail website to search up trains OR one app I prefer is Trainline.

I love using them to search and book so I can have all my bookings in one place, plus they do other handy things like remind me when I’m entitled to compensation for delayed trains (more on this later), send me notifications when my platform is announced, and more.

NOTE: They do take a small service fee so you can book directly with the specific train company if you want, but I don’t mind paying a bit extra for the convenience.

Another alternative for finding split tickets is TrainPal. Their main selling point is they don't charge a booking fee and they also track the carbon emissions from your trip and allow you to participate in tree planting projects within their app.

Use the code HAPPYTOWANDER for 33% off Railcards & 5% off for EUR/UK rail tickets for new customers and 2% off for existing customers.

24. Buy rail tickets in advance to save big

Now, a huge shock for first time visitors is how expensive train travel can be in the UK.

Yes, especially if you wait last minute for the longer distance trains, the prices are… eye-watering.

BUT, if you plan in advance, actually the prices can be decently reasonable. Trains never get cheaper closer to the travel date, so the sooner you book the better.

There are of course some other tricks as well that you can use to save money on trains, which I’ll explain below.

25. Look into buying a RailCard

If you’re between the ages of 16-30 years old or aged 60 and over, one way to save money on train tickets in England is buying something called a RailCard.

This might only make sense if you plan to take the train a lot, but basically it’s a card that you buy for a set price that then gives you 1/3 off rail fares for the year. 

If you’re visiting London, you can also link a RailCard to your Oyster card and save 1/3 on public transport journeys in the city as well.

Because trains in the UK can be so pricey, often you can get the value of the RailCard back within one or two journeys, so it can definitely be a huge money saver!

If you plan to travel by train a lot in the UK, consider buying a RailCard that will save you 1/3 off all fares. This is the ultimate money saving hack if you travel often enough, and it can even be linked to an Oyster Card to be used for London Tube journeys!

Buy through TrainPal and you can use the discount code HAPPYTOWANDER to save 33% off your RailCard!

26. Consider getting a BritRail Pass 

Another potential way to save on the train is getting something called a BritRail pass . With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period, whether that’s a consecutive few days or a set of days within a certain time period. 

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance. It’s also great if you plan to do a lot of day trips.

There’s a few BritRail passes but in my opinion the best value is the London Plus pass, which includes London and pretty much every popular London day trip destination. 

Of course, it’s honestly probably cheaper to just book train tickets early to secure the best deals, but if that’s no an option or you want to be flexible, BritRail passes are great for that. 

27. Claim compensation for late trains

Now, while I acknowledge I have a (frankly, unhinged) obsession with train travel, I can see its flaws too, and I must admit that trains in England can often be delayed or worse, cancelled with little notice.

BUT before you all start sipping tea angrily, there is a silver lining. As I mentioned above, it’s actually VERY easy to claim compensation if your train is delayed.

A lot of train companies have this thing called Delay Repay and you can file claims and get refunds online if your train is as little as 15 minutes delayed. Often if it’s over an hour delay, you get a full refund.

Again, this varies depending on the train company, but I’ve filed claims on  Southwestern Railway, Southeastern Railway, Chiltern Railways, and Northern, all of which were super easy.

… So keep that in mind the next time you’re confronted with this dreaded notice:

28. Look into bus travel (AKA coach travel) if you’re on a budget

Besides trains, another common way to travel around England is by bus, or as they call them in England, by coach.

These are usually much more affordable than trains, and super common as well, with plenty of coverage across the country.

Here are some of the main companies to look into:

• National Express 

I would personally search up your route on Omio , which shows you different options, and then from there you can assess what the best choice would be.

29. Always hold onto your tickets

Whether you’re travelling by longer distance train or just catching a quick trip on the London underground, make sure to always have your ticket handy.

At bigger train stations, there are fare gates so you’ll have to scan your ticket on the way out, and the same applies for underground trains like the tube in London – you have to tap out in order to leave.

There can also often be ticket controls on board (even after you’ve tapped in or scanned your ticket), so don’t throw your tickets away or accidentally misplace them!

30. Remember to flag buses down and always press for your stop

On a random cultural note, you have to flag buses down here if you’re using public transport.

I wasn’t used to this because in Canada the buses automatically come to your stop if you’re standing there, but in England you generally have to wave them over and flag them down so they know to stop.

31. Know where to find free things to do in England

Looking for some more money-saving England tips? Well, here’s some beautiful budget-friendly news: I honestly think some of the best things to do in England are free.

In most major cities for instance, you’ll find many museums that are by donation. Out in the countryside, there are plenty of great walks that are free to enjoy (including national parks!)

And, all over the country, churches are for the most part free to visit as well. So, if you are looking for tips to travel England on a budget, remember just how many free things there are to choose from.

This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips – do not sleep on the many free things to see and do in England!

32. Learn the tricks to saving on paid attractions

That said, while there are tons of great free things to do, if you are visiting a place that is heavy on attractions like London, it might be worthwhile getting a sightseeing pass that includes many attractions for one set price.

Again, this is usually only worth it if you plan to visit a LOT of paid attractions, but if you do, then you can easily save a ton of money. I’ve used the London Pass in the past for instance and the value was unreal.

Of course, if you’re planning a longer stay in England, and you plan to cover a lot of the country, then it might also be worth looking into an annual membership for either National Trust , English Heritage or Historic Houses.

These are organizations that look after hundreds of historical attractions across the country, and when you’re a member, you get unlimited access for the year. 

But again, this is only really worth it for those planning longer trips.

33. Don’t bring any suitcases you can’t carry

England is not a country well built for rolling suitcases.

Sure, there’s the big modern hotels that have functional elevators (lifts), and cities with smooth sidewalks (pavement)…… but more often than not, you’ll encounter rickety cobblestones, and older hotels which are converted from centuries-old houses which have unstable stairs and not a single lift to be found.

This is why I’d highly recommend bringing only suitcases that you can carry. This is especially crucial if you plan to use a lot of public transport, because there’s often situations where you have to lift your bag to go up stairs, to get on the train, to lift onto train luggage racks, etc.

So yes, make sure you can carry your suitcase!

My best tip for packing things into a smaller bag: Use Packing Cubes to squeeze more into your suitcase/backpack.

PS: If you’re overwhelmed with what to pack, I’ve already made some packing lists that you can use as a starting point!

• My Europe winter packing list
• My Europe summer packing list
• My versatile minimalist packing list
• My toiletries packing list
• My free International Travel Checklist

35. Bring a universal adapter

Power sockets in England are Type G, and if you’re visiting from overseas, odds are you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to fit.

I’d strongly recommend buying a universal adapter  like this one  if you don’t have one already.

It’s cheap, can be re-used for every trip, and covers you in all situations. Definitely some of the best money I’ve ever spent!

PS: In England, you often also need to turn “on” the power outlets for them to work – simply flip the switch that’s next to it.

36. Pack a waterproof/windproof jacket

It rains a lot in England. You’ve probably heard that before…

But instead of just bringing a clunky umbrella and calling it a day, I’d highly advise packing a waterproof and windproof jacket, especially one with a hood.

This is because English wind can be as fierce as English rain, and getting your umbrella flipped inside out by wind is one of the most humiliating things on Earth. That and calling Greenwich “Green witch”, I suppose.

37. Get a mobile data plan

I feel like this England travel tip goes without saying, but in case you were on the fence about getting a data plan for England, get one. Please, for the love of pudding, get one.

These days, there are so many things in England that are dependent on Internet, like restaurant menus accessible only via QR code, or places that require you to register before entering (side eyeing you, BOXPARK Shoreditch).

Luckily, data is super cheap in the UK. If you want something cheap and easy, Three is great.

You can order their cards online in advance from Amazon or they also have stores all over the UK and even vending machines at the airport when you arrive. You can get a month 10 GB data pack with unlimited calls and text, for only 10 GBP so it’s really worth it!

38. Try to not speak too loud

In England, North Americans generally have a reputation for being… loud.

And once you hear it yourself, you really can’t unhear it.

So if you’re out in public, try to lower the volume of your voice to closer match what’s around you (easier said than done, I know, but something to be mindful of).

39. Binge on movies set in your destination before your visit

Last tip, it’s dorky but in advance of your trip, watch as many movies and TV shows set in the England as possible. Period, modern, Love Actually – whatever floats your boat. I promise it will make your visit a thousand times more magical.

After all, I could binge travel quotes all day but nothing will put me in more of a wanderlusty mood than a good piece of media with swoonworthy accents and idyllic scenery.

So, if you’d like to do the same before your trip, here are some travel movies or shows set in England:

• If you’re visiting London, watch Paddington, Paddington II, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary
• If you’re visiting Bath, watch Bridgerton
• If you’re visiting Manchester and/or Liverpool, watch Peaky Blinders (I know it’s set in Birmingham, but it films mostly in other places)
• If you’re visiting idyllic little villages, watch The Holiday or Hot Fuzz (for something a little different)
• If you’re visiting Dorset, watch Broadchurch
• In general, watch Pride & Prejudice (or your Jane Austen adaptation of choice), Harry Potter, or your period dramas of choice

I hope this list of England travel tips was helpful!

Quite frankly, if you made it this far, you deserve some kind of medal! This was a VERY long list of tips for England, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Your Trip to England: The Complete Guide

England is more than just the iconic sites in London, and planning a trip to the country can be overwhelming thanks to its many destinations and famous attractions. Whether you're looking to enjoy England's beaches, its historic sites or to pub hop through the countryside, there's a lot to consider before arriving in Blighty. From what to eat to where to stay, here's everything you need to know about visiting England.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: England makes for an amazing holiday destination any time of year, but take advantage of the warmer weather and long days during the summer, especially July and August, to make the most of your trip. If you prefer to avoid crowds, visit in May or September. Christmas is also very popular all over England, with celebrations, lights and holiday markets taking place throughout December.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in England, however many residents hail from all over the world, so it's not surprising to hear multiple other languages spoken, especially in bigger cities like London.

Currency: The currency in the U.K. is the pound sterling, also known as GBP or just "the pound."

Getting Around: England has a vast network of trains, which connect both the major cities and smaller towns. While trains are the easiest way to travel, visitors can also rent a car or opt for cheaper buses. Within major cities, look for public transportation, like the Tube in London or the trams in Manchester. Taxis and Ubers are also plentiful in more populous destinations.

Travel Tip: There's a lot to see and do in England despite it being a relatively small country, so plan your itinerary to maximize a particular region or activity. Be sure to give yourself at least two days in London and then venture onward to another area, whether it's the beaches of Dorset or the excitement of a northern city like Manchester.

John Harper/Getty Images

Things to Do

There are a considerable amount of things to do around England and what you choose to do depends on your preferences. Consider visiting a town like Brighton or Whistable if you want to hang out on the beach, or drive through the picturesque Cotswolds to enjoy the famed English countryside. Historic sites, like Winchester Cathedral and Whitby Abbey, are popular with visitors, as are museums like the Tate Modern in London and Manchester Art Gallery in Manchester. Lovers of literature will also find a lot of interesting attractions, from Jane Austen's House in Hampshire to the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

• Pay a visit to Stonehenge , which is a great day trip from London or a stop on the way to Bath or Bristol.
• Take a day trip to Windsor Castle , located in Windsor. Other popular royal sites include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Experience the real Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle , which can be found in Hampshire, not far from Winchester or Newbury.
• Embark on a hiking trip in the Lake District or Peak District, or stroll along the Dorset Coast on the South West Coastal Path .
• Venture southwest to Cornwall, a scenic coastal area with lots to do , like the Tate St. Ives and the Eden Project.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do in England and the best beaches in England .

What to Eat and Drink

English food is a lot better than you might assume, especially in the bigger cities where there's a vast range of international options. For a truly classic experience, dine in a local pub, which can be a great way to try favorite British dishes like a Sunday roast or bangers and mash (as well as a refreshing pint). The country is dotted with Michelin-starred pubs, like The Crown in Bray and The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, and it's worth seeking out a higher-end pub experience.

• In the seaside towns, seek out fish and chip shops for the freshest catch. When in doubt, ask a local for their favorite shop.
• Enjoy afternoon tea, a traditional experience in England. Visitors can find it at any number of local tea rooms or hotels. Some of the best include Cliveden House Hotel, Fortnum and Mason, and most National Trust properties around the country.
• Indulge in a full English breakfast, which can be found on most breakfast menus around England. It's a good way to fill up for a day of sightseeing, too.
• England may not be famous for its wine, but there are many wineries around the countries, most in the south. Look for vineyards like Rodington, Chapel Down, and Greyfriars.

Learn more about English cuisine with our article on the best foods to try in England .

Where to Stay

Deciding where to stay in England depends on your destination. There are plenty of hotels throughout the country, both in the cities and in rural areas, but some spots, like beach towns, are better experienced with a holiday rental. In the cities, opt for a hotel near the center of town, like Covert Garden in London, to make your trip more walkable. Many pubs also offer accommodation, which can be a cheaper option in small towns. For a splurge, look for luxury country house hotels, like Chewton Glen, Clivden House Hotel, and Lime Wood Hotel.

Getting There

Most travelers coming from the U.S. arrive in London by plane, flying into nearby airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and City. However, England has numerous airports, some of which are international and have flights to and from the U.S. Visitors from Europe can take the Eurostar train into St. Pancreas from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam.

• Heathrow International Airport: Heathrow, located west of London, is the primary airport used by international travelers coming to England. It can be accessed by Tube, train, bus, or taxi, and it's recommended to look into public transportation when arriving during rush hour. The Heathrow Express gets passengers from the airport into Paddington Station in only 15 minutes. Travelers can catch trains to the rest of England from Paddington, as well as Kings Cross, Euston, Waterloo, and Victoria.
• Manchester Airport: Manchester Airport is a large international airport with three terminals, serving the areas around Northwest England, including Liverpool and the Peak District. It's accessible to central Manchester by Metrolink tram service, train, bus, or taxi.
• Birmingham Airport: Birmingham Airport is an international airport located near Birmingham, Coventry, and Leicester, with transportation links to most of central England. Most airlines connect to the U.S. via Europe.
• London City Airport: Located centrally, London City is popular with short-haul flights to Europe, but also services the U.S. via New York City. Taxis or public transportation are both good options to head into London, which has connections to the rest of England via train.

Explore our article on  how to get to Heathrow , as well as  our guide to London's airports and our guide to England's airports .

Culture and Customs

While England, especially international cities like Manchester and London, can feel similar to the U.S., there are a few differences, notably when it comes to tipping and service. All restaurants and bars will include a service charge (usually 12.5 percent) on the bill, so there's not need to leave extra cash. If you do want to leave a cash tip, 10 to 15 percent is customary. It's also nice to tip food delivery people, taxi drivers and bartenders, although they don't expect large tips the way service people do in the U.S.

If you encounter a long queue, and you likely will, it's considered polite to stand patiently in line without complaint or cutting. The English also have a reputation for being fairly reserved in public, especially on public transportation, so be mindful of your volume, particularly when traveling in a group or with kids. Of course, all of that polite behavior goes out the window at a pub, especially during a sports match.

If you decide to rent a car, there are some important road rules to learn when driving in England, including driving on the opposite side of the road. Read our guide to driving in the U.K. before you head out.

Money Saving Tips

• Take advantage of free museums as much as possible. London and Manchester have many museums that are free to enter, including the British Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery, and there are great free attractions throughout England. It's a good way to see iconic spots without spending any of your travel budget.
• Long-distance buses (called coaches in England) are the cheapest way to get around, although they may not be the most exciting. Those on a budget can opt to take a coach between cities. Look for good options with National Express when journeying to and from London.
• To save money on meals, look for holiday rentals or self-catering accommodations that have kitchens. It's easy to find local grocery stores or markets anywhere in England, so why not try your hand at some bangers and mash at home?
• England is full of beautiful parks and gardens, many of which are free to enter. It's a good way to spend time outside, especially if you bring along a picnic. During the warmer months, take advantage of the country's outdoor spaces for quick and cheap lunches and nice strolls.

Visit England. "Practical Information and Advice." https://www.visitengland.com/plan-your-visit/practical-information-and-advice

Visit London. "Tripping in London." https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/money/tipping

Visit London. "Best 25 free attractions in London." https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/budget-london/free-attractions-in-london

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How to Visit England & Scotland on a Budget

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The UK is known for having some of the highest prices in Europe, so it takes a little planning if you want to visit England and Scotland on a budget. The good news is that this is perfectly doable for any sensible traveler. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how affordable my husband and I were able to make things on our trip there last summer. Even when considering the fact that the pound is worth about a third more than the US dollar!

To help you with your planning, I have put together the below sample budget to give you an idea of what to expect. This budget assumes you are two people taking a 10 day trip to Great Britain. You will be traveling around, and making stops in the following cities:

• Days 1-3: Bath
• Day 4: York
• Days 5-6: Edinburgh
• Days 7-10: London

Keep in mind that trips involving multiple cities will almost always be more expensive than staying in one place. When planning your travels, you should certainly consider whether each stop is worth it, and make sure you don’t overextend yourself.

Here is an example of a moderate England & Scotland budget for two people (in USD):

This is what I would consider to be a moderate budget for two people taking a trip to England and Scotland. These amounts factor in room for some splurges, while saving money in other areas. Let’s breakdown what all is being included here.

England & Scotland budget breakdown:

Transportation.

You can rent a car when visiting the UK, but you certainly don’t need to. We personally did not because we were a bit nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road while also on the opposite side of the car. Combine that with driving a manual transmission (automatic is more expensive), and we totally chickened out.

Instead, we had the exciting experience of hopping from train to train, and found them super easy to use. That being said, trains in the UK are not always the cheapest option. There is some strategy involved to avoid paying more than you need to.

For example, when I first looked up a train to London from Edinburgh, I was horrified at the prices. The initial prices I found were around 200 pounds per person, which was enough to make me want to vomit. For a second, I considered flying between these two cities, as that can actually be cheaper at times.

The good news is that I did find a way to make train travel more affordable for our trip. The key is buying nonrefundable train tickets in advance and using a railcard (as opposed to railpass). I go into much more detail in my post about navigating the Great Britain trains here .

This one is a tricky subject, and if you’re not careful, you can end up paying $1,200 per flight. I recommend not overpaying for your flights though, and think you should try to get two for the price of one like we did. So how do you do this? Here are a couple ways to find cheap flights to London:

• Be flexible about the time of year you travel and the days you travel on. If you travel on a less popular day, such as Tuesday, or in a slower time of year (aka not summer), you can certainly find lower prices.
• Be a savvy traveler and look for a credit card with rewards points. This is how we avoided paying the full price of one of our flights. At the time we were only using the Capital One Venture , but we have now added the Chase Sapphire Reserve to our repertoire.

So groceries is an optional category, although I suggest using it to save a little bit of money. If you stay in an Airbnb with a kitchen, or even just a room at an inn or hotel with a mini fridge, you have the oppportunity to buy things like cereal or sandwiches for some cheap meals. I personally like to incorporate simple options like this, so I have more room to splurge once in a while at a nicer place. Trust me – pub food may be inexpensive, but it’s usually not worth your money.

Food & Drink

Food and drink is the area where you need to be most conscientious if you are trying to stay on budget. It’s very easy to be impulsive here and lose track of what you’ve spent in a day. Even if your budget is not tight, it’s still good to plan ahead for food and drink because it’s crazy how easily you can get off track here.

You can see I’ve mostly allowed about $75/day for two people. How did we do this for two people on three meals a day you may ask? First off, we tried to stay at places that had breakfast included. Second of all, we utilized grocery stores for cereal and premade sandwiches, such as the local Waitrose grocery store while staying in London.

We generally did not do very much fine dining, and tried to find as many deals as possible. Here is how we stayed cheap while dining out:

• We went to a lot of cafes for meals, which tend to be cheaper than more formal restaurants.
• We mostly did not order drinks at restaurants, which actually saves a ton of money. The beer of Great Britain was also not our favorite, which helped us be less motivated to buy it.
• In London, we ate a lot of ethnic food, such as Indian and Vietnamese, which is usually more cost effective.
• In Bath , we ate at a nicer restaurant, Bistrot Pierre that offered a lower cost prix fixe menu for those willing to eat dinner before 6:30 pm. You still got great menu items, but at a fraction of the cost!

My lodging budget of $1,500 factors in 10 nights at an average rate of $150/night. In this price range, there are plenty of good inns and Airbnb’s available. Unfortunately, this excludes London, where it’s hard to find much for under $200 a night. That being said, it is still possible to find cheap lodging options in London. Especially if you are willing to stay in a hostel or someone’s spare room.

Sadly, the more things you do while on your trip, the more money you’re going to spend. Since this is a 10 day, multi-city trip, you’ll want to allocate a good chunk of your England and Scotland budget to activities. To keep this area under control, it’s best to try to find as many free things to do as possible, and balance that out with the expensive sights you are most excited about. So what does my budget of $475 include?

Above, I have included the highlights from each of these cities that are definitely worth your money. Keep in mind that this list does not include the many free things there are to do in England in Scotland, which I’ll list below.

Free Things to Do in England and Scotland

The below list is not all-inclusive of the many free things there are to do in England and Scotland. However, it does include our favorite free activities in each of the cities included here:

• Bath: Wandering this beautiful city to marvel its streets filled with honey-colored stone buildings is quite a treat. There is plenty of impressive architecture to admire from the outside, such as the Royal Crescent or The Circus.
• York: Do not miss the free walking tour offered daily at various times. On your own, you can also peruse The Shambles and walk on the Roman Wall for nary a penny.
• Edinburgh: No money is needed to explore the Royal Mile, or window shop on colorful Victoria Street. Pass by the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue and be sure to gently pat (not rub!) its nose for good luck. Harry Potter fans should certainly stop into the Greyfriars’s Kirkyard. This cemetery’s headstones inspired several characters’ names in the books.
• London: Many of London’s museums are free, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery, and the British Museum. However, you may notice many of the museums will still ask for optional donations. For $0 you can also enjoy some green space at the expansive Hyde Park, and pay homage at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Finally, you can of course watch the famous changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace completely free of charge.

As you can see, it is certainly possible to do England and Scotland on a budget. All it takes is a little bit of planning and prioritizing, so that you are allocating your funds to the sites you’re most excited about. It’s true that the UK can be more expensive than other European countries, so your dollars may not stretch quite as far there. However, a visit to England and Scotland is absolutely still worth your time, and you do not need to go broke in order to have an amazing trip. So go on, and let yourself experience all that is historical, royal, and rugged in these two beautiful old countries.

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want to go from St Louis Missouri to Glasgow Scotland on a budget for two. For 14 days

That sounds like it would be a lot of fun! Will you be staying in Glasgow the whole time? The less you move around, the lower your budget will be 🙂

Greyfeiar Bobby statue is being destroyed by people rubbing its nose. It’s actually advised to not touch tge statue. I’d recommend taking that bit out of your article.

Thanks for the update! I’ll change the wording.

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England Travel Guide on a Budget

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April 13, 2023

England, a country steeped in history and brimming with cultural attractions, may seem like an expensive destination. However, it is possible to experience the best of England without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore budget-friendly tips and recommendations for accommodations, transportation, attractions, and dining, ensuring you can fully enjoy your visit to this fascinating land without overspending.

Section 1: Budget Accommodations

1.1 Hostels

Hostels are an affordable accommodation option for budget-conscious travelers, providing dormitory-style rooms and sometimes private rooms at a lower cost than hotels. Many hostels in England offer a range of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and social spaces. Some popular hostel chains in England include YHA (Youth Hostel Association), Generator Hostels, and St. Christopher’s Inns.

1.2 Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

B&Bs are another budget-friendly option, offering a more personal and homely experience. They typically provide a private room with an ensuite bathroom and include breakfast in the room rate. B&Bs can be found throughout England, from bustling cities to quaint villages, and often offer local insights from the host.

1.3 Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms offer a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations, from private rooms to entire apartments or homes. These options can be particularly cost-effective for families or groups of friends traveling together. Plus, staying in a rental with a kitchen allows you to save money on dining by preparing your own meals.

Section 2: Affordable Transportation

2.1 Public Transportation

England boasts an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams, making it easy to travel between cities and towns without a car. To save money on public transportation, consider purchasing an Oyster card in London, a travel pass such as the Travelcard or Pay As You Go (PAYG) card, or a regional bus pass for unlimited travel within a specific area.

2.2 National Rail Services

Traveling by train can be a cost-effective way to explore England, especially if you book tickets in advance and take advantage of discounts. The National Rail offers discounted fares for groups, students, and seniors, as well as various rail passes like the BritRail Pass, which provides unlimited train travel within a specified period.

2.3 Ridesharing and Carpooling

Ridesharing and carpooling services such as BlaBlaCar and Liftshare connect drivers with passengers traveling in the same direction, offering a more affordable alternative to trains and buses. These platforms are particularly useful for reaching smaller towns and rural areas not well-served by public transportation.

Section 3: Free and Budget-Friendly Attractions

3.1 Free Museums and Galleries

Many of England’s top museums and galleries offer free admission, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Natural History Museum in London. Other cities, such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, also boast a range of free cultural attractions.

3.2 Parks and Gardens

England is home to numerous beautiful parks and gardens, providing a budget-friendly way to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Popular options include Hyde Park and Regent’s Park in London, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and the Peak District National Park in central England.

3.3 Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore England’s cities and towns while learning about their history and culture. Many destinations offer free or budget-friendly guided walking tours, or you can download a self-guided tour app or map and explore at your own pace.

Section 4: Affordable Dining Options

4.1 Street Food and Food Markets

Street food and food markets are an excellent way to sample diverse cuisines at wallet-friendly prices. London’s famous Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane are just a few places where you can find delicious street food options. Other cities such as Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham also have their own thriving food markets and street food scenes.

4.2 Pub Grub

Pubs are a staple of English culture and often serve reasonably-priced, hearty meals. Look for traditional pub favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, which can often be found for under £10. Many pubs also offer daily specials or lunch deals, allowing you to save even more on your meal.

4.3 Supermarket Meals and Picnics

Supermarkets in England offer a wide range of pre-made sandwiches, salads, and meal deals, making it easy to grab an affordable lunch or dinner. Many supermarkets also have a hot food counter, where you can find items like roasted chicken or freshly-made pizza. For a leisurely and budget-friendly meal, pick up some groceries and enjoy a picnic in one of England’s many parks or green spaces.

Section 5: Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in England

5.1 Visit during the Off-Season

Traveling to England during the off-season (October to April) can result in significant savings on accommodations, flights, and attractions. Not only will you find lower prices, but you’ll also encounter fewer crowds at popular tourist sites.

5.2 Take Advantage of Free Attractions

As mentioned earlier, England is home to numerous free attractions, such as museums, galleries, parks, and gardens. By planning your itinerary around these free attractions, you can stretch your travel budget further.

5.3 Research Discounts and Deals

Before embarking on your trip, research discounts and deals available to tourists, such as the London Pass, which offers access to numerous attractions for a fixed price. Also, keep an eye out for special promotions or offers at restaurants, attractions, and accommodations.

Traveling to England on a budget is entirely possible with careful planning and research. By choosing affordable accommodations, utilizing public transportation, enjoying free attractions, and dining at budget-friendly establishments, you can fully experience England’s rich history and vibrant culture without overspending. Use this guide as a starting point for your budget-friendly adventure in England, and you’ll soon discover that the possibilities for an unforgettable trip are endless.

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Uk budget travel tips – how to travel the uk cheaply in 2024.

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Travel the UK cheaply? Surely not! Actually you can. It is possible. In theory you could travel around the UK for as little as £30 per day if you are very savvy and willing to rough it a little. £50 – £100 and you can have a pretty epic adventure in the UK. Keep reading to learn more…

In this article we are going to share our BEST UK Budget Travel Tips for 2024. We know budget travel. We have literally travelled on a shoe string. And we also know the UK – our lovely home country. So although the UK is one of the more expensive countries to travel – we can help you save lots of money.

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom can be an exciting adventure, but it’s no secret that it can also be an expensive endeavor. As seasoned travelers from the UK, we understand the importance of saving money while exploring our beautiful country. In this article, we will share our top budget tips to help you plan a cheap trip around the UK without compromising on the experience.

Find out more about BUDGET travel. Read our guide on how to travel with just a backpack

How Expensive is the UK?

Before we share out BEST UK Budget Travel Tips we would like to give you a feel for prices in the UK. Like everywhere in the world prices in the UK have really gone up fast in the last few years. Inflation has made it harder than ever to travel on a low budget. BUT it is still possible to travel the UK cheaply. Plan well, book early and be willing to rough it a little – and the world will open up to you!

The United Kingdom is known for being one of the more expensive countries to travel in Europe. It’s essential to plan your budget carefully to ensure you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Accommodation

On average, you can expect to pay around £100 per night (around $120) for a reasonably priced room in the UK. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the location and the time of year you plan to visit. It’s advisable to book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates and availability. You can occasionally stay in YHA hostels for as little as £50 per night. Book early as the cheapest rooms disappear fast.

When it comes to eating out in restaurants or cafes, budgeting around £5 – £10 (or $6 – $12) per meal is a reasonable estimate. However, this can vary depending on the type of establishment and the location. If you’re looking to save money, consider opting for budget supermarkets and preparing your meals or look out for meal deals at local pubs. Supermarket cafes can also be a pretty good way to get some cheap hot food.

Transportation

Transportation costs can also add up quickly while traveling in the UK. Taxis, in particular, can be quite expensive, with short journeys costing a minimum of £7 (around $10). It’s advisable to use taxis sparingly or consider alternative modes of transportation such as local buses or walking.

Local buses, although convenient, are also relatively expensive compared to some other countries. Expect to pay around £2 to £3 ($3 – $4) for a local bus journey. To save on transportation costs, consider purchasing special daily or weekly bus tickets if you plan to use public transport extensively.

Activities in the UK can range from being free to quite expensive. You can explore many sites of natural beauty, including waterfalls, mountains, and forests, without any admission fees. These natural attractions offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of the UK at no cost.

However, if you wish to visit attractions like theme parks or other paid tourist sites, be prepared to spend at least £25 per person (around $30). It’s essential to factor these costs into your budget and prioritize the activities that align with your interests and budget limitations.

While the UK is known for being an expensive travel destination, careful planning and budgeting can help you manage your expenses effectively. By considering the average costs of accommodation, dining, transportation, and activities, you can make informed decisions and adjust your budget accordingly. With a bit of research and strategic planning, you can enjoy a memorable trip to the United Kingdom without breaking the bank.

UK Budget Travel Tips

1 shop in cheap supermarkets.

Eating in the UK can quickly add up, but there are ways to cut costs. One of the cheapest ways to eat is by shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. These supermarkets offer a range of affordable options such as sandwiches, pasta, and salad boxes that you can enjoy on the go. Additionally, keep an eye out for meal deals at local pubs or consider dining at the pub chain Wetherspoons, known for its relatively low prices and daily meal deals.

2 Use Local Buses Instead of Taxis

While taxis can be expensive in the UK, local buses offer a more affordable means of transportation in most cities. The extensive local bus network allows you to get around conveniently and at a lower cost. Look for special daily or weekly bus tickets if you plan to travel extensively, as they can provide significant savings. Despite the initial expense, these tickets offer free travel within a specific region, making them cost-effective in the long run.

3 Use Megabus for Long-Distance Journeys

When it comes to long-distance travel within the UK, consider using Megabus . Megabus connects major cities across the country and offers very cheap tickets, especially if you book well in advance. While fares as low as £1 are not as common as before, you can still find affordable intercity bus journeys for around £10 to £20.

4  Pick cheaper types of food

Pick cheaper types of food. We already mentioned shopping in supermarkets. If you’re on a very tight budget aim for canned food, bread and simple foods. If you have a little more money to spend we recommend looking for things like sandwiches, salads and snack boxes. Watch out for meal deals. You can also buy chips from Fish and Chip shops for around £3 – £4 per portion. This is not the cheapest food around but it is tasty. A portion of fish and chips is likely to set you back around £7 – £10 depending on the size and location of the shop.

The cheapest types of food in the UK

• Chips 
• Canned goods (especially beans)
• Dried fruit

Oh yeah, you can also drink water directly from the taps in the UK. It’s totally clean and fine to drink and will save you some money.

5 Explore Youth Hostels and Campsites

If you’re looking for affordable accommodation in the UK, consider staying at youth hostels. These hostels, often members of the YHA (Youth Hostel Association), offer cheap rooms and dormitory options. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet fellow travelers while keeping costs low. Additionally, campsites can be relatively inexpensive, especially in the off-peak seasons. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, particularly during the summer, as popular places tend to fill up quickly.

6 Plan Free Activities

Take advantage of the many free activities available in the UK. Some museums, public exhibitions, and natural attractions like beaches, national parks, and mountains are generally free in the UK. In fact its amazing how much you can do for free. Incorporate these free attractions into your itinerary to experience the best of the UK.

7 Consider Hitchhiking

This may be one of our most controversial UK Budget Travel Tips. So if you don’t like the sound of this one feel free to skip by. While it may push you outside your comfort zone, hitchhiking is a viable option in the UK. Always prioritize safety by hitchhiking in pairs, communicating your destination with the driver before the journey, and only hitchhiking from safe locations with ample space for cars to pull over. We have hitch hiked all over the UK and our experience has been amazing. People who stop tend to be very friendly – it’s kind of like a natural filter that helps you meet the kindest people.

8 Use an International Bank Card

To avoid high bank charges when withdrawing money from ATMs, opt for a reliable international bank card. Banks like Wise are known for their favorable rates and minimal fees, making them ideal choices for travelers.

9 Head North for Affordable Travel

One of the most important UK Budget Travel Tips is to plan you activities and itinerary carefully. The UK is not a great place to “wing it” if you’re on a tight budget. So if you’re looking to save money, consider exploring the northern regions of the UK. The South tends to be more expensive, particularly in cities like London.

10 Find Reduced Food

To cut down on food expenses, keep an eye out for reduced food items in bakeries and supermarkets. Many places reduce prices on products close to their sell-by dates, typically later in the evening or towards the end of the day. By timing your visits right and exploring the reduced sections, you can find excellent deals and save money on groceries.

Example daily budget – UK travel 

Approximate cost per person for budget travel in the UK:

Food and drinks: £15 (around £5 per meal, generally buying food from supermarkets & bakeries with the occasional treat)

Transportation: £5 using local buses & walking to see nearby attractions

Accommodation: £50 small private apartments & rooms in homes

Daily total: £70 per day (which is £490 per week)

If you’re on a super budget you could stretch this by wild camping and eating very simple food. Be aware that many places have restrictions on wild camping in the UK. If you really rough it you could travel the UK for as little as £30 per day. Sometimes the lowest budget travellers have the biggest adventures!

Summary – Can you travel the UK on a budget?

Traveling on a budget in the United Kingdom is indeed possible with some strategic planning and savvy choices. By following these top budget tips, such as shopping in cheap supermarkets, using local buses, considering Megabus for long-distance journeys, opting for larger supermarkets, exploring youth hostels and campsites, embracing free activities, considering hitchhiking with caution, using international bank cards, exploring the north for affordability, and seeking out reduced food, you can enjoy your trip while keeping your expenses in check.

Remember, the UK offers a wealth of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences that don’t have to break the bank. With careful budgeting and smart choices, you can have an enjoyable and cost-effective adventure exploring this beautiful country. So, plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and get ready for an affordable and unforgettable journey across the United Kingdom!

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to England cost?

A one week trip to England usually costs around $0.00 (£0.00) for one person and $0.00 (£0.00) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to England on average costs around $0.00 (£0.00) for one person and $0.00 (£0.00) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in England will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to England on average costs around $0.00 (£0.00) for one person and $0.00 (£0.00) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to England has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

England is a very affordable place to visit. Located in the United Kingdom, which is a moderately priced country, visitors will appreciate the lower prices of this destination. It is in the top 10% of cities in the country for its affordability . Budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring England in depth.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, England is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as England.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is England Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to England?

The average England trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these England travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

England On a Budget

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Stonehenge, UK

Photo by: Tim Boryer

When planning a trip to the United Kingdom, few things are more daunting than the prospect of the shrinking dollar to the seemingly almighty British pound sterling. But fear not, Anglophiles, there are bargains to be had across the pond and a well-planned budget-conscious vacation to Britain is well within the means of most penny-wise and pound-savvy travelers. Cheaper Stays Some of London's poshest hotels are running guaranteed dollar rates, thus ensuring the best exchange rate for travelers. Current participating properties include Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments, Egerton House Hotel, 41 and the Milestone Hotel. The latter arguably has the best turndown service in town, including hot chocolate and a teddy tucked in for the night.

Self-catering apartments and bed and breakfasts are an affordable way for visitors to save money during their stay in England, Scotland and Wales -- all while preserving an intimate, home-away-from-home feel. The new start-up company  base2stay , in London, offers low-cost rooms and  Royal Garden Apartments , in Edinburgh, offers two-person "Executive" rooms.  Coastal Cottages , in Pembrokeshire (which offers some of the most beautiful seaside scenery in all of Britain), operate affordable cottages. 

The  Youth Hostels Association  is Britain's leading accommodation provider, with a network of over 200 youth hostels in England and Wales. Hostels are ideal for single and family travelers, students and youth groups, because they provide comfortable accommodations and good food at reasonable prices. 

Stuff to Do on a Shoestring Museum lovers and history buffs should take advantage of the free admission offered at the more than 250 National Museums and galleries in Britain. There are 238 in London alone, 11 in Scotland and 8 in Wales. The  British Museum in London can easily take up an afternoon. While there, don't miss the Elgin Marbles; the current controversy over returning the famous statues to Greece might put them farther out of reach for future travelers.

Be queen (or king) for a day. The Great British Heritage Pass gives visitors unlimited entry to many of Britain's historic sites, including nearly 600 castles, stately homes and gardens in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Card Holder's Privilege The London Pass grants tourists complimentary entry to 50 attractions, as well as special offers, such as discounts at restaurants and theaters. The pass also enables travelers to avoid lines at popular attractions. In addition, sightseers can secure complimentary access to public transportation on buses, tubes and trains.

The Edinburgh Pass provides travelers on short vacations with free access to participating attractions and public bus transportation around Edinburgh and the Lothians. The pass also gives tourists exclusive discounts in shops, restaurants and theaters, as well as a guidebook outlining special offers.

The Oyster Card is the cheapest way to pay for single journeys on the tube, buses, Docklands Light Rail and trams in London. Locals use this card, too. You can store your Travelcard/bus pass and/or cash to pay as you go on your card.

Yes, London cabs are expensive. So, why not walk? The Original London Walks uses Blue Badge guides (the gold standard of tour guides) to inform visitors about the history of London. The company offers more than 300 walks through London, as well as Explorer Days, 1-day sightseeing tours to Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cotswolds and Oxford, Hampton Court, Stonehenge and Salisbury.

From Pub Grub to Posh Nosh While in the UK, you don't have to limit yourself to fish and chips or pub food on a budget, although these 2 great British institutions are a good choice for lighter fare days. There are also trendy new restaurants and old standards offering prix-fixe menus year-round. At  Arbutus , which was recently awarded a Michelin star under the guide of owners Anthony Demetre and Will Smith, you can order a pre-theater, 3-course meal that's very affordable. The Kitchin restaurant, in Edinburgh, has a similar deal at lunchtime offering 2-course and 3-course meals that won't break the bank. The restaurant is named for owner and head chef Tom Kitchin, who trained with master chefs Guy Savoy, Alain Ducasse and Pierre Koffmann of La Tante Claire, in London.

Gastropubs are one of the hottest food trends in Britain right now. They pair the relaxed atmosphere of a pub with the epicurean excellence of traditional fine dining. Many gastropubs have been awarded Michelin stars, and Britain's best-known chef, Gordon Ramsay, is set to open a series of them in and around London. The Warrington, in Maida Vale, and the Narrow, in historic Limehouse, both offer offer a good value for travelers, with low-priced appetizers and main courses. Other good gastropub choices include the Eagle (London); the Drewe Arms in Broadhembury (Devon); the Punch Bowl Inn at Crosthwaite (Cumbria); Crinan Hotel (Argyll, Scotland); the Harbor Inn, Bowmore, (Islay, Scotland); and the Foxhunter at Nant-y-Derry (Wales).

Getting   There Is Half the Fun bmibaby , a subsidiary of British Midland Airways, is a low-cost airline with flights to Birmingham, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Manchester and Nottingham East Midlands. The airline is an affordable way to travel within Britain. 

BritRail gives visitors an exceptional value money-wise, as well as the flexibility to explore and travel by train within Britain. BritRail has several pass options, senior citizen and student discounts, and 25% discounts during the winter.

Megabus.com , a low-cost bus service, offers online bookings for travel within Britain. For 1 fee, visitors can travel to and from Birmingham to London, Bristol to London, Cardiff to London, Portsmouth to London, Glasgow to Edinburgh and Manchester to Leeds.

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Budget Travel Ideas , Europe , UK , Western Europe

Top 10 uk destinations for budget travellers.

People often don’t associate travelling in Britain with being on a budget.

Instead, they tend to think of heading to the capitals of Eastern Europe or the alluring beaches of the Mediterranean for their cheap European excursions.

But I’m here to prove them wrong …

… Ok, well maybe not wrong (because those places are definitely some of the best budget destinations in the world to explore) but I’m here to prove there’s an alternative.

Yes good old Blighty is positively bursting with beautiful budget travel spots, a fact that was brought to my attention once again on my recent trip back to my home country.

And I kind of felt like this was worth shouting about actually, worth celebrating even, or at the very least worth writing a blog post about, so here they are, my list of the top 10 cheap places to visit in the UK.

Related Posts:

• Complete Guide to Camping on the Isle of Wight
• Renting a Car in the UK: 12 Top Tips
• 20 Best Budget Day Trips from London
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mersea Island in Essex

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

My London Budget Accommodation Pick: St Christopher’s Inn, Greenwich

Ok, so England’s capital isn’t known for its budget travel prices, but there are definitely some easy steps to takes if you want to save money when visiting London.

Following these can really help turn a trip to the capital from crazily pricey, to just about reasonable.

But then you add in all the free things to do in London and suddenly the myth surrounding this city as one of the best British budget travel destinations starts to grow some real truth rings!

Yes, when it comes to world cities, there’s few that offer as much complimentary fun as this great metropolis.

From markets to parks, museums to palaces, there’s such a huge range of things to enjoy in London for nothing, that you really needn’t pay for any entertainment while you’re here at all!

Even just sightseeing in this iconic city is a real treat and for that, all you need to do is either stroll along the Southbank or hop on the number 11 bus that will take you past St Pauls , Big Ben, Westminster Abbey , the Houses of Parliament, the Strand and the Bank of England for just a few quid!

Now budget travel in the UK doesn’t get much better than that!

#2 Bristol & Somerset

My Bristol Budget Accommodation Pick: Kyle Blue

If London is the capital of complimentary attractions, then Bristol, in the UK’s southwest, is a close second.

Yes on my first trip to this growing, vibrant city I was bowled away by the amount of free things to do in Bristol and spent the perfect weekend unearthing the very best of this city, its culture, heritage and great pubs!

Bristol really has got a stack to offer the budget traveller – from delightful boat journeys on the River Avon to great street art walking tours (this is the home of Banksy after all), beautiful views from the famous Suspension Bridge and some great little suburbs like Clifton and Stokes Croft to explore on foot too.

I can’t recommend this city enough, so check out my top tips for seeing Bristol on a budget if you’re heading that way soon.

And if you’re looking to spend more time in this area, then Stonehenge , Bath , Salisbury , the Cotswolds , Glastonbury , Wells and Cheddar Gorge can all be reached fairly easily and cheaply as day trips from this city too.

All of these spots also boast a heap of free things to do too, which definitely makes Bristol one of the best spots in England for a cheap trip.

#3 Lake District, Cumbria

My Lake District Budget Accommodation Pick: YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe

Oh the beautiful Lake District, the jewel of Northern England, the most inspiring of British landscapes!

Yep, if the Lake District was good enough to get Wordsworth’s and Beatrix Potter’s creative juices flowing, then it’s definitely good enough for me!

In fact, I voted it one of my top 50 places to visit in Western Europe .

But seriously, this huge area of natural beauty, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely one of the best places to visit in Britain if you’re on a budget.

For starters, its remote location and country setting mean most of the fun to be had here revolves around exploring the great outdoors … and that don’t cost a thing!

Yes it doesn’t get any cheaper, or more spectacular, than strapping on your hiking boots to tackle Scafell Pike or Friar’s Crag.

In addition, the small villages of this area provide ample opportunity for you to fill your stomach and wet your whistle for half the price of some of the country’s cities, and there’s plenty of hostels around too for those looking to sleep on the cheap.

#4 Brecon Beacons, Wales

My Brecon Beacons Budget Accommodation Pick: Pen-Y-Bryn House

Definitely, one of the best national parks the UK has to offer, the Brecon Beacons is a shining jewel in the crown of South Wales and should not be missed!

Easy to access from southern cities like London, or northern cities like Liverpool, getting to Swansea or Cardiff from here is quick using trains , or even cheaper using National Express coaches.

Once you reach the cities of either Cardiff or Swansea, pick up a cheap car rental with a company like Discover Cars and head off to enjoy some brilliant hiking and scenic views in this beautiful mountainous landscape of the Beacons.

Camping right in the National park can be enjoyed for as little as £10 per night, as many farmers in the area have converted areas of their property into rustic, but totally fit for purpose, campsites.

Learn more in this complete guide I wrote to camping in the Brecon Beacons .

And while you are exploring the Brecon Beacons, don’t miss the mighty waterfalls or the views from the top of Pen y Fan – both are free and totally spectacular.

#5 Leeds & Yorkshire Dales

My Leeds Budget Accommodation Pick: Leeds Central Travelodge

The city where I went to University is fast becoming one of the UK’s best!

Yes good old Leeds in the county of Yorkshire, is a great part of the UK to visit if you’re looking for a cheap night out… having lived there for 3 years as an impoverished student I should know!

FYI: The HiFi Club was always my fav, but there’s no plenty of newer kids on the block too!

Coupling a great Yorkshire character and a huge number of educational institutions, Leeds also boasts lots of cultural attractions with a distinctly down-to-earth feel, many of which are either free or very cheap to enter.

Learn more in my article about the 15 best things to do in Leeds on a budget .

And nearby to Leeds, the wonderful Yorkshire Dales also make for excellent and cheap day trips from the city.

Certainly one of the best UK holiday destinations, for just a few pounds on the bus, you can find yourself in delightful towns like Ilkley, Saltaire, Harrogate, Knaresborough or Hebden Bridge, where classic British tearooms rub shoulders with cobbled streets and stunning landscape views.

Or why not try a spot of hiking out here too?

Malham Cove is an eternal favourite thanks to its dramatic limestone cliff and nearby waterfalls and walks – all of which are free to enter and enjoy.

Learn more in my list of the 35 best things to do in Yorkshire .

#6 Liverpool, Merseyside

My Liverpool Budget Accommodation Pick: Liverpool One Premier Inn

Another Northern beauty, Liverpool is more well-known than Leeds, mostly due to its famous musical export – The Beatles.

Walking along the iconic Mersey waterfront, or listening to the city’s plentiful live music, are all great things to enjoy here that won’t cost you a penny.

Then there’s the city’s Cathedral, the many museums, galleries and the stadiums of several well-known football clubs too – all of which are free to enter.

Being on the coast, Liverpool also offers some excellent English fish and chips, which can be enjoyed with a view of the sea for next to nothing.

Plus getting to, staying in, and enjoying a night out in this city is cheap too (at least compared to many other cities in the country), which definitely makes it one of the cheapest places to visit in England if you want some urban fun!

For more ideas about things to do in Liverpool on a budget, check out this post I wrote following my time exploring this iconic UK location.

#7 Glasgow, Scotland

My Glasgow Budget Accommodation Pick: University of Glasgow – Cairncross House

Scotland’s second city often lies in Edinburgh’s shadow, but I’m here to pull it into the limelight and show you that this is one of the best travel spots for those wanting to travel the UK on a budget!

Originally a Medieval settlement, Glasgow is now famous for its Victorian architecture, which has a distinct style that can be easily enjoyed just by strolling the streets.

So too can the city’s many parks and gardens, although I’d advise you to bring your waterproof jacket to ensure the good old Scottish weather doesn’t put a stop to your plans.

If it does, despite the waterproof clothing, then Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens are really spectacular and a great alternative with indoor sections and free entry!

There’s also the very popular Gallery of Modern Art here, as well as a super collection of street art, which can be enjoyed as part of Glasgow’s free walking trails – easy to follow and downloadable here .

And when it comes to cheap eats, who can forget the mother of all Scottish inventions – the deep-fried Mars Bar!

Get yours, for next to nothing, at chippys around the city!

My Dorset Budget Accommodation Pick: YHA Swanage

Forget going all the way to Devon or Cornwall, beautiful Dorset which is generally closer to most places in the UK (and therefore will keep your transport costs down), has just as many beautiful beaches, walks, villages and historic sights to visit as anywhere else in the southwest.

Loads of these are, of course, free to view or enter, including the UNESCO gem of Durdle Door – pictured above.

From here you can enjoy stunning walks along the Southwest Coastal Path (that won’t cost you a penny) stopping off at even more iconic sights, such as Lulworth Cove as well.

A photographer’s paradise, cute villages such as Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock are also a must and who can forget the walks and beaches of Studland, where the cliff lookout point at Old Harry Rocks is another must.

Historic ruins such as St Catherine’s Chapel and Abbotsbury Abbey are also free to enter here and, over in the west of the county, Chesil Beach offers remote walking, while lively Bridport has an array of creative and artistic markets and shops that are a treasure trove for bargain hunters.

With loads of camping spots available, the great town of Swanage also offers lots of other budget accommodation options, as well as reasonably priced eateries.

Overall, Dorset is a part of the UK that really reminds me of my home island of Jersey in the Channel!

Visiting this gorgeous corner of southern England is a treat any time of the year, but perhaps doesn’t get better for us budget travellers than during the months of either June or September, when the weather allows us to finally get our tents out, but still avoid the crowds and price tag of the peak summer holiday season!

Check out my list of the top 21 places to visit in Dorset here for more inspiration.

#9 Margate & Wider Kent

My Margate Budget Accommodation Pick: Margate Premier Inn

When I first heard that Margate was one of Britain’s up-and-coming destinations, I could hardly believe my ears, but then I took a trip there myself and, lo and behold, it’s true!

Made famous by Tracy Emin, one of the UK’s leading contemporary artists, this seaside town is making a big splash on the British cultural scene.

The Turner Contemporary (free to enter) opened in 2011 really set the scene for this, and now the once downtrodden resort is filling up with lovely independent shops and cafes, which beautifully compliment the cobbled streets of its old historic centre.

If you feel like taking in the sea air, then the brilliant Viking Coastal Trail is an easy and enjoyable path that offers fantastic views of Botany Bay and leads you all the way to Whitstable (via the connecting Oyster Bay Trail ) and other top locations along the Kent coast if you’re up for a really big stomp!

No surprise therefore, that I rate Margate one of the cheapest places to visit in England and if you want to learn how to get here from London by bus, train or car, check out this post I wrote all about that.

While you’re down this way, then why not check out some other area of Kent too – here’s my list of the best 13 , which are all great UK budget travel destinations.

#10 Brighton & East Sussex

My Brighton Budget Accommodation Pick: Selina Hostel

Despite being a pretty wealthy part of the country – it’s probably up there with Surrey and Berkshire – East Sussex has a lot to offer those who want to explore England on a budget.

From the mighty cliffs of the Seven Sisters with their wonderful hiking, through to the cosmopolitan city of Brighton , the seaside resort of Hastings , the historic location of Battle and the beautiful Medieval town of Rye – there’s so much to see in this county that you can cram a lot into a short timeframe and a small budget too!

What also makes East Sussex one of the cheapest places to visit in the UK is that you can easily reach it from London, either by car if you’re on a longer holiday, or cheap train rides if you want to day trip to some of its destinations.

East Sussex also combines strong historical elements with beautiful coastline experiences, and walking abounds in the wonderful South Downs National Park.

Much of the landscape, as well as the beautiful towns and villages in this part of the country, can be enjoyed for nothing; otherwise, a ton of great accommodation options and eating choices tend to keep prices constant, even during the busy summer UK staycation season.

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Top Travel Tips for UK

Best Time to Visit UK?

The best time to visit UK is definitely during the summer months in my opinion.

The better weather from June to August will definitely allow you to get out and explore the glorious walks, historic sights and fab cities of this country.

Travel Insurance for the UK

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in the UK

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

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I hope you’ve found my list of the top 10 UK destinations for shoestring travellers useful and fingers crossed they’ve shown you how affordable exploring this country can be.

Now it’s over to you though …

What’s your favourite UK destination and what are your top budget tips for seeing the best of it?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

6 thoughts on “ Top 10 UK Destinations for Budget Travellers ”

Great post! I love England and have travelled around it quite a bit, but there’s always more to discover. Thanks for sharing your advice 🙂

There is always more to discover, you are absolutely right! Sometimes I forget how beautiful my homeland is, so it was great to write this post as a reminder 🙂

Some of these places look really awesome, definitely visiting the next time I come to London.

Yes Kalyn. Great idea! Which will be first on your list?

Beautiful blog, I loved reading it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Thanks Elena, will do 🙂

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A Little Advice… 5 Tips to Plan a Backpacking Trip to England & Scotland

Last updated on September 11, 2023 by Shannon

Kids are out of school, businesses across Europe are closed, and flights are packed elbow-to-elbow.

Ah, it must be August in the United Kingdom. I arrived in the UK in the late summer, and this is a rough time of year to plan a trip to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Although it’s a beautiful time to visit, it’s also stressful for budget backpacking, or budget travel in general. Because my yearlong trip was only lightly planned, I learned the hard way that you have to be on your game if you plan to tour around England, Scotland, and Ireland on a backpacker budget .

Table of Contents

Can You Backpack the UK on a Budget?

It’s possible to travel the UK on a budget, but it’s a lot of work!

You see, tourists from both the United States and Europe head to England and Scotland from July through September; this means cheap accommodation is booked quickly, and UK tours and food all come at a high premium.

Although I had my trusty Lonely Planet Great Britain , which offers budget travel tips, it only halfway works when you’re backpacking quickly during high season. Many sights in London and elsewhere are free—you can visit all the museums, and you can hike in the Lake District without spending a penny.

But accommodation and transport prices are brutal if you’re not prepared; for this reason you really need to plan your trip ahead of time if you’re traveling in the summer high season in England and Scotland, even if you usually like to wing it!

These six key points are ones I wish I had known before planning my time in the UK during the summer. These are the essential tips for budget travel across my two months in England, Scotland, and Ireland—using these tactics on my trip not only saved me money, but made it possible to find transport and affordable food every day, and somewhere to sleep every night.

How to Save Money Touring England, Scotland, and the UK

The short of it is: Touring England and Scotland is pricey—all UK travel is going to be more expensive than other places in the world—but there are several real steps you can take to make UK travel more affordable.

1. Book your accommodation ahead of time.

I’m definitely a fan of spontaneous travel and rarely do I fully book my trips advance. When I land in a new place, my MO is usually to book the first two nights of accommodation through Booking.com or Hostelworld (I prefer the rewards discounts on Booking.com that kick in even when booking hostels through the platform).

The rest of my trip? I leave that up to whim, luck, and the advice of other travels. For traveling in England and Scotland during high season, however, that style of travel is extremely difficult. Budget accommodation across the UK is usually fully booked, particularly on the weekends.

What’s more, even the cheapie beds are expensive. Some hostels and budget hotels in London raise prices on the weekends. The only way you can find affordable places to sleep is through a bit of advance planning.

For me, as an American, every price is exchanged from my home currency into the dominating pounds sterling. If you’re traveling on a low budget, the difference of a few pounds extra stacks up quickly.

When I first arrived in the United Kingdom, lack of pre-booking meant I ate up a three-day budget in one heartbeat. All because I had to float myself in an expensive city for a few days until the a nearby budget hotel had openings.

All of the usual hostel sites work for pre-booking. As noted, I usually use Booking.com or Hostelworld for a hostel booking website. And in my many trips to England and Scotland over the years, advance planning on VRBO can net you truly great deals if you’re traveling in a group or as a family.

Also consider local listing like the Scottish Independent Hostels site—it has heaps of highly tailored local information, as well as local accommodation. If booking ahead of time feels too restrictive and you still want to be spontaneous, consider just booking your accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights.

And a hot budget travel tip for traveling families: hostels are still a great choice, by the way. Independent hostels especially are family-friendly, and I have stayed with my toddler son in hostels since his birth. Staying in a private room as a family not only costs less for the room, but your family saves money by cooking occasional meals—making breakfast at the hostel, and prepping a snack for later in the day, is one of the easiest ways to save money in your food budget!.

2. Plan your transportation well!

Why Use Buses in England, Scotland & Ireland?

While trains are faster to be sure, buses are a great way to plan a budget trip in both England and Scotland. The UK train system is both extensive and expensive. Seriously expensive. Buses, on the other hand, offer rock-bottom seats if you book in advance, as low as 1 GBP between cities. I never booked months in advance, so my seats were around 10 GBP—still an absolute bargain considering a similar train ride cost upwards of 60 GBP.

The United Kingdom has a lot of bus options.  Megabus is the cheapest by far. It’s also perfectly good if it run betweens the cities you’re visiting. But note that Megabus has limited routes and runs between mostly just the major cities in Scotland and England. CityLink is more expensive but still cheaper than the trains.

When Trains are a Good Option

Traveline Scotland  was incredibly helpful in planning my route from one city to another. The website gives precise directions and timetables for taking public transport, and you can even select whether you want to include walking, buses, trains, and metro. Rome2Rio also has a good bead on all the different options if you’re planning to travel between two very difficult destinations.

If you have the budget, or if you simply prefer the trains, use the National Rail site to plan your UK train travel. It’s imperative that you book online, however, and book a month in advance if possible. If you don’t, the peak pricing can cost double or triple at the ticket counter.

Rental Cars, Uber, & More

If you’re really going to do it right, then a rental car would probably be most ideal. This is actually a cost-effective option if you are traveling with friends, especially if you use an aggregator site like RentalCars.com—I found an amazing deal on a rental car for an Ireland road trip I took with my dad in 2019.

The fact is, for budget travelers, the cost of splitting a rental car will equal out when split among you, given how pricey trains can be if booked last minute. If you’re solo, you can have that same experience by booking one of the hop-on, hop-off buses that travel around Scotland, specifically, so that travelers can admire the Highlands.

And although the United Kingdom rightly has a fantastic reputation for public transportation, you should always download Uber onto your phone and have that option ready if you find yourself in need of quick transport elsewhere locally. While it’s not as budget as the tube, it’s nearly always a better price than the local taxi cabs.

For my own travels, I used a combination of all three of these when planning my own route around England, Scotland, and Ireland. I trained from London to the Lake District , then I took the public bus to the Isle of Skye and onward across the Highlands to Loch Ness and then to Edinburgh .

From there, I took a £20 flight to Dublin and rented a car for three weeks. To help offset the expense, I picked up other backpackers at my hostels in Cork and Dingle and they chipped in for gas since they didn’t have to buy a bus fare.

3. Make a plan for daily your meals.

Nearly all hostels and vacation rentals have kitchens—and they are often surprisingly well stocked! With that in mind, I highly recommend cooking your own dinner at least a couple of times a week if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

Head to the nearest Tesco Lotus (it’s the most reasonable of the UK’s grocery stores). I found the easiest options for a good mix of eating out and eating in was to cook breakfast and often lunch. Pick up some fruit, yogurt, and muesli. Then you could even do sandwiches for lunch, or eat lunch while you’re out exploring for the day and cook pasta and veggies for dinner.

It’s also possible to eat affordably in the UK. Head to the pubs for the daily special; this is a great option for lunch or dinner as the specials run at a time of day where you can often use the meal as either one.

I used this budget hack from London to Edinburgh, and I always found something tasty and hearty offered at the pubs. As a vegetarian, eating out is a hard in some countries . But UK pubs always have vegetarian options, even if it sometimes lacks much imagination beyond glorified pasta. For this reason, I actually enjoyed cooking for myself, at least when I backpacked through the tinier British and Scottish towns.

Also, budget travelers should look for ethnic restaurants. In London, there are many Asian and African restaurants where you can find a meal for perhaps £8. Or if you eat meat, fish and chips and kebabs are plentiful.

4. Carry an umbrella.

It rains, it pours. In short: the United Kingdom is wet. You’re shrugging right now and thinking, “Huh, of course it’s wet, this girl is crazy to recommend this as a tip.”

It’s even wetter than you imagine.

Budget travelers need the right packing list : poncho, a rain cover for their packs, and a rain jacket. As a budget travel tip, this comes into play because you will be out in the elements waiting for public transport.

Although the big cities have covered bus stops, there’s little chance you will find covered ones in the Scottish highlands. I was lucky to have a rain jacket for myself and my bag when waiting during a few misty rains as I crossed Scotland via bus. You’ll get so wet you’ll wonder, “ Does it rain all the time in Scotland? ” But then, the sun will come out.

Others were less lucky. I met a couple who had completely abandoned their UK travel plans because they had spent hours standing in the rain and were either sick or just plain tired.

Plan ahead and you’ll be more flexible and happy as you crisscross England, Scotland, and Ireland!

5. Pick Your Destinations Wisely

The fact is, moving around will cost you more than staying in a few spots. But what is the fun of backpacking the UK if you don’t actually see any of the sites?! Cities are actually going to offer some of your best budgeting for food and activities since there are so many free things to do. But smaller cities will offer a lot of free outdoor and natural activities.

Here are a few popular budget-friendly big to visit in the United Kingdom:

• London : London is the capital and largest city in the UK, and it is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse neighborhoods. While it can be an expensive city to visit, there are also many budget-friendly options, such as staying in hostels or using the city’s extensive public transportation system.
• Edinburgh : Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. There are a number of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels and guesthouses, as well as many free or inexpensive attractions, such as the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. If you visit during the Fringe Festival though, or anytime in August, expect to pay dearly for most things—it’s not a good month for budget travel in Edinburgh.
• Manchester : Manchester is a vibrant city in the north of England that is known for its music scene, sporting events, and diverse neighborhoods. There are a number of budget-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels and Airbnb rentals, as well as many free or inexpensive attractions, such as the Manchester Art Gallery and the Manchester Museum.
• Liverpool : Liverpool is a city in the northwest of England that is known for its rich cultural and musical history. It is home to a number of budget-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels and Airbnb rentals, as well as many free or inexpensive attractions, such as the Liverpool ONE shopping center and the Royal Albert Dock.
• Bristol : Bristol is a city in the southwest of England known for its vibrant art scene, beautiful natural surroundings, and historic neighborhoods. Like elsewhere in the UK, you’ll find a good number of hostels and vacation rentals. A few of the better free or inexpensive attractions include walking the harbor and soaking in the vibes, visiting the Bristol Zoo, and wandering the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. A self-guided street art tour is also a fun way to explore the city for free.

And consider these smaller cities in England and Scotland when traveling on a budget:

• Dundee : Dundee is a city in the east of Scotland that is known for its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and stunning coastline. Budget attractions include the Verdant Works and the Dundee Contemporary Arts Center.
• Glasgow : Glasgow is a vibrant city in the west of Scotland that is known for its lively music scene, cultural attractions, and beautiful parks. Free or inexpensive attractions include the Glasgow School of Art and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
• Hay-on-Wye : Hay-on-Wye is a small town located in the Welsh Borders, in the west of England. It is known for its beautiful countryside, charming architecture, and vibrant literary scene. There are many free or inexpensive attractions, such as the Hay-on-Wye Castle and the Hay Literary Festival.

6. Plan to spend more.

One of the beautiful things about exchange rates is that you just don’t know what’s going to happen. From the time that I started planning my round the world trip to the time I arrived, the exchange rate from the US Dollar to Pound Sterling fluctuated nearly 50 cents on the dollar. 

I spent a lot more money than I had initially planned when plotting my trip across England, Scotland, and Ireland. I also had a cushion in my world travel budget , and that meant that I was able to still enjoy my time and not spend the entire visit pinching pennies too closely. Plan for a budget trip in the UK, but then add a cushion in case you go over your budget.

Think of it in terms of the range of fluctuation. In Asia, when the exchange rate fluctuates it makes on a tiny impact on the amount you end up spending on accommodation. In the UK, however, a change of 20 cents easily means $4 more a night just for accommodation. Stretch that across several weeks and you could be grossly over budget going into the rest of your travels.

Speaking of money, American travelers who don’t have a chip in their credit card should add their card to Apple Pay or the Android equivalent. All across Europe, the credit card machines are most effective with wifi-chipped cards, which most U.S. cards don’t feature.

The hack around these is to use your phone—there are nights now when I leave my home in Barcelona with only my cell phone, knowing every single bar and restaurant accepts Apple Pay. It will make your time in England, Scotland, and Ireland much simpler if you travel with the right credit cards .

The United Kingdom is gorgeous—I do not regret for a second adding this place onto my itinerary for my RTW trip . It might have been, however, a poor choice as a budget traveler. I decided to visit the UK solely to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland .

I had visited England during college and only remembered hemorrhaging money. I did better this time around, but I could have also stayed longer in other areas without the huge expenses associated with traveling the UK.

In the long run, it might have made more sense to save the United Kingdom for an isolated trip in the future, rather than a part of my  round the world trip itinerary . Planning England and Scotland as an independent/shorter trip it would have been less of a financial strain.

Without the worry about my budget holding out until the end, I might have more readily enjoyed a few more pints along the way. That being said, I learned a lot and the UK always beckons me back—partly because dear friends live in Bristol, so I’ve made a habit to visit them twice a year for years now.

Budget backpacking has a learning curve, but there are ways and resources and even budget backpacking books  and budgeting guides to help.

Inspiring England & Scotland Travel Reads

I have an entire list dedicated to the best travel books in general, as well as the books to read before visiting Ireland . These are my top picks for the books you should buy or download before a budget trip to the UK.

• Round Ireland with a Fridge : A very entertaining book about a guy named Tony and his adventures around Ireland, with a refrigerator.
• The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot : This is a fascinating and gripping read about one man’s journey. Robert shares his adventures as he walks from the chalk downs of England up to the Scottish northwest, as well as journeys in Palestine, Spain, and the Himalayas.
• Notes from a Small Island : In this book Bill Bryson writes about his life and adventures after moving to Britain in 1973. A fun read that will have you searching for flight deals to the UK.
• Lonely Planet Great Britain : I have tried all of the different guidebook brands, I continue to use the Lonely Planet even as my travels grow beyond backpacking. It’s laid out better than other guidebooks and it has the most thorough budget transportation sections to and from cities—this was essential planning a trip to the the tiny towns in Scotland.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

10 thoughts on “A Little Advice… 5 Tips to Plan a Backpacking Trip to England & Scotland”

This article was a breath of fresh air. It offered a unique ideas that I hadn’t encountered before.

Travelling to England is the best gift which any traveler can gift himself/herself. I m very happy that you got a chance.

Carry an umbrella. Such a simple task, yet somehow i used to forget carrying one every time & it would rain for sure.

Hey – I can’t remember if the M&S (Marks and Spencers) stores are in Ireland, but if you get a chance, have the pink lady apple juice. It is amazing!

Man, I will have to save that one for next time cuz I am outta here!! Lol, plus I haven’t seen one here in Ireland yet – they may be here, but I have spotted one. Remind me again when I next head to the UK :-)

What a BEAUTIFUL site-such a treat when you can’t go yourself-wonderful photos-thanks so much!!

I think it was this money saving tips blog post you refer to :-)

It is! It is!! Will update. Thank you Andy. :-) I hunted and hunted…got frustrated, and stopped :-)

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Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

The best days to book flights, cheap eurostar tickets, plus ten more budget travel tips.

| Chief writer

Updated February 23, 2024

In this guide

If the UK’s harsh winter has you scurrying to make travel plans but you’re still grappling with rising costs, we’re here to help with ten tips for travelling on a budget.

Many UK households cut back on holidays last year as the  cost of living soared – research platform QuMind found that 56% of Brits planned to take fewer holidays in order to help save money.

But if you’re keen to hold on to your holiday plans, our 11 cheap travel tips can help you slash the cost of going away this summer, and still get the most out of your time abroad while travelling on a budget.

Plus, Eurostar is currently holding a sale on its tickets, and we’ve a trick to book a return to Paris or Amsterdam for a little as £70 .

In this article:

• Finding a good package deal
• Tips for booking flights
• Tips for booking accommodation
• How to get cheap Eurostar tickets
• The best way to hire a car
• Getting around on a budget
• How to pay abroad
• Eating out on a budget
• Sorting out an EHIC or GHIC card
• Travel insurance
• Know your rights

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

1. See if you can find a good package deal

Several websites offer package deals on holidays that include flights, transfers and accommodation – sometimes coming with baggage allowance and a free meal, too. 

Kayak and TravelSupermarket * are good places to start. It’s also worth looking at HolidayPirates and Hotukdeals.com , which feature heavily discounted and short-lived “flash” deals; you will usually need to move quickly to get them.

In any case, it’s always worth doing the maths and making sure that you can’t book the same or a similar holiday for less by buying the flights and accommodation separately.

Visit LuckyTrip

If you are trying to work out what kind of holiday is within your travel budget, and you are open to a wide variety of options, LuckyTrip is an interesting way to go. You set your budget per person and the site suggests a holiday for you and tells you the total price. This includes flights, accommodation and something to do – for example, kayaking or a visit to a castle.

While the site picks everything for you when you do a basic search, you can adjust the search parameters. These include dates of travel, the departure airport, how many people are going on the trip, and more.

You could just use LuckyTrip as a way of coming up with ideas for a holiday that fits within your budget, and then book the individual elements separately.

Enjoy a unique holiday through Times Travel

Through their extensive list of partners, Times Travel are offering their readers once-in-a-lifetime trips to some of the world’s most popular destinations. Make sure to visit their site to review some of these all-inclusive offers.

Visit Times Travel

2. What are the best days to book flights? Plus how to save money when booking flights

When booking a trip, the cost of holidays, including flights, are generally at their lowest on Wednesdays. However, flights that take off on a Tuesday tend to be cheapest. There are plenty of other ways to cut the cost of air travel significantly when travelling on a budget.

• Book flights in advance. If you are on a budget, often it isn’t the case that you should book at the last minute. According to cheap-flight amalgamator Jack’s Flight Club (see below), the sweet spot is three to nine months before take-off.
• Use your web browser’s incognito mode. When you look for things online, websites often track you and remember you. So when you are hunting for flights, airlines sometimes push up the cost when you return to their site. This is to get you to panic and book before it goes up even more. By using incognito mode, airline and comparison websites have no way of knowing you have visited them already – so you will see the true price.
• Use a flight-comparison site. This will show you flights from across multiple airlines, as well as travel agents – so you may see prices you wouldn’t get if you booked directly through an airline. Kayak , Momondo and Skyscanner * are all great options. 
• Sign up to Jack’s Flight Club* . This is a free email newsletter outlining some of the best flight deals available. These have included a return flight from London to New York for just over £200, and Manchester to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, for £199. If you have not yet planned your trip, it could help you find a great deal that slashes the price of your holiday.
• Be flexible with your dates. Tuesday has historically been the cheapest day on which to board a plane, but flight-comparison sites normally have a calendar view that lets you see which days within your booking range have the lowest-cost flights. 
• Be savvy about take-off times. If you are considering a cheap evening outbound flight, make sure you factor in the extra night of accommodation you will need when you arrive at your destination. It may work out cheaper to get a slightly more expensive flight the next morning. That said, cheap early-morning take-offs can end up more expensive due to the lack of public transport options around that time. A cab to the airport is never cheap.
• Be flexible with seats. Many airlines charge you extra to choose your seats. If you don’t mind being separated from your travel companions for a few hours, you can save a fair bit by opting for randomly allocated seats. However, if you’re travelling with children under 12, they can often sit next to or near you on the flight for no extra cost. In order to benefit from this, check the airline’s policy on seating children and make sure you book your seats well in advance.
• See if you can snag an “error fare”. SecretFlying shows you a heap of cheap flights, including error fares. This is when an airline accidentally misprices a flight, meaning you can book it for less than it would usually cost. You can also find error fares by doing regular, wide-ranging searches on comparison sites such as Skyscanner. If you are lucky enough to catch one, you could save hundreds of pounds.  However, they require a high degree of flexibility in your choice of airport and departure date when booking – and importantly, airlines are legally allowed to refuse to honour an error fare if they can prove it’s a mistake, so you could book a trip that is later cancelled. If this does happen, you are entitled to a refund, but you may need to make contact with the airline and it could take some time to get your money back.  According to Jack’s Flight Club, 70% of error fares end up being honoured, so your odds are decent. Nonetheless, make sure not to book any non-refundable accommodation in case your ticket is cancelled.
• Plan your baggage carefully. Baggage allowances for the size and weight of the cases vary between airlines, so it’s key to check how many belongings you will be able to bring. If you think you will need more space, and there are a few of you going, it might be worth sharing a checked bag or two to save money on excess-baggage fees. Here are some of the main airlines’ free baggage allowances (per person, economy class where applicable): British Airways* : Two free carry-on bags, plus a free hold bag weighing up to 23kg EasyJet : One free small carry-on bag (up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm, weighing up to 15kg) Jet2 : One free small carry-on bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, weighing up to 10kg) Ryanair : One free small carry-on bag (up to 40 x 25 x 20cm) Virgin Atlantic : One free carry-on bag, plus a free hold bag weighing up to 23kg Wizz Air : One free small carry-on bag (up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, weighing up to 10kg) Make sure you also consider whether you might be bringing back more than you are taking – for instance, if you are planning on doing some shopping. It’s usually cheaper to buy additional checked bags in advance, so planning ahead is a good way to save.

3. Think carefully about accommodation when travelling on a budget

If you are backpacking on a shoestring, it’s likely that a hostel will be the cheapest option.

Hostelworld lets you compare the different options, and its star rating system gives you an idea of what to expect. That said, it’s always good to look further afield for reviews as the star rating may not paint the whole picture. If a hostel has a large number of Google reviews, it might be worth trusting that score instead.

Additionally, you may find that it only costs a little bit more to book a cheap hotel room than it does for multiple beds in a busy dorm – which may be worth it for a better night’s sleep. Hostels also often charge for extras such as lockers and towels, so factor these into your decision.

Airbnb isn’t as cheap as it used to be

When browsing for accommodation, don’t just make a beeline for Airbnb. You may find that hotels are actually cheaper and more convenient in the area you are visiting.

Have a browse on accommodation comparison sites such as Booking.com * and Trivago to see what options are available within your budget. Next, compare them with the options on Airbnb in the same range.

Nonetheless, renting a whole home might make more sense if you are in a large group, rather than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Most hotel rooms also don’t come with a kitchen, so you are more likely to eat out, which can end up being one of the biggest expenses on holiday. Staying in a rented home means you have got the option to cook, which is a surefire way to save cash.

4. How to get cheap Eurostar tickets

The Eurostar is a high-speed train that’s more comfortable than a flight and gives you a large baggage allowance included in the price of your ticket. It also goes further than just Paris; you can get to Amsterdam, Brussels, Rotterdam, Lille, Cologne and more in a matter of hours.

However, a Eurostar ticket can often be more expensive than a plane ride. Fortunately, Eurostar runs frequent sales on its website. Between now and Monday 22 January, you can bag a one-way ticket to multiple destinations for as little as £39, meaning a return for just £78. Tickets are discounted for some journeys between January and March. Find tickets at the Eurostar website now *.

Plus, if you book your Eurostar ticket via the Uber app, you can receive 10% back in Uber credit. This means you can effectively book a return Eurostar journey for just £70.20.

5. Hiring a car? Look for free cancellation

A comparison site, such as Skyscanner or Kayak, is a great way of finding the cheapest car-hire options for your trip. It’s also cheaper to book on some days rather than others, so a degree of flexibility will help you save money.

As with flights, it’s generally best to book your car hire in advance (though the price may go down as well as up after you book). Never book on the same day you need a car if you can avoid it.

When you book a car hire, consider looking for a company that offers free cancellation. It’s very handy to have in case your plans change – and if the price of the hire falls slightly before your holiday starts, you can just cancel and rebook.

Many firms offer free cancellation as standard, up to a certain length of time before the trip (usually about 48 hours). If the cheapest option doesn’t have free cancellation, it’s often worth paying a little bit more for the peace of mind and flexibility.

6. Be creative about travelling around on a budget

When travelling from one part of a country to another, or even going across a border, consider all the options.

Trains are often one of the more expensive ways of travelling around, but with fuel costs rising, they may work out cheaper than hiring a car. Trainline * lets you find train services in a host of European countries, so you can gauge how much they will cost.

BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing website popular in Europe that lets you find spare seats in others’ cars, and it can end up being significantly cheaper than alternative forms of travel.

If you are willing to spend more time travelling, a coach can be an ultra-cheap way of getting from A to B. FlixBus * offers affordable coach travel all over Europe.

7. Pay the right way

If you don’t already have a specialist travel credit or debit card, you could end up losing a heap on fees when you pay with your card abroad. Many traditional high street banks charge an exchange-rate fee of about 3%, and sometimes add on extra fees.

For example, if you use a Halifax debit card while abroad, you will pay a 2.99% foreign-currency transaction fee plus a £1.50 charge to withdraw cash, or 50p for a card purchase. These fees can add up. For example, over a two-week holiday:

Total spent: £1,200 (€1,400)  Six cash withdrawals averaging £100 each (€116) 30 card payments averaging £20 each (€23) Cash-withdrawal fees: £9 Exchange-rate fees: £36 Card-payment fees: £15 Total fees: £60

That is a huge amount of money you don’t have to spend, that will seriously eat into your travel budget. There are multiple travel credit cards available that don’t charge exchange-rate fees (though some levy interest on cash withdrawals).

You can also get a travel debit card that doesn’t charge you at all – though you may need to pay a small fee on withdrawals over a certain amount. 

If you are asked whether you want to pay in pounds sterling or the local currency, ALWAYS choose the latter

If you pay in sterling, wherever you are making the transaction will choose the exchange rate for you – and can tack on exorbitant amounts.

When you pay in the local currency, your payment card provider will do the currency exchange instead. This means you will get the rate set by your provider. If you have a specialist travel card, this will be as close as you can get to the true exchange rate.

We have the lowdown on the best travel credit and debit cards in our full guide .

Buying travel money? Timing it right can help you save

If you’re buying foreign currency in advance, it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. Money.co.uk’s useful tool helps you find the best currency vendors both for delivery and collection.

When buying currency, you can also save by doing so at optimal times, when the pound is stronger or the currency you’re buying is weaker. This means that each pound is buying more currency.

While fluctuations are minimal the majority of the time, when you’re buying a large amount of money the savings become more noticeable.

Travelex’s travel rate tracker lets you monitor changes in the values of currencies, even providing you with updates via email.

8. Keep your wits about you when eating out on a budget

It’s a sweltering afternoon and you have been sightseeing all day. You’re hungry – and tempted to just sit down at the first place you see. Sometimes, this is the best option – especially when choice is scarce and it’s the only restaurant for miles. 

However, it’s often good to check the reviews on either Google or Tripadvisor first. These sites can quickly tell you whether the restaurant is expensive and the food is worth the money, as well as if it’s any good.

If you can’t find enough information, have a cursory glance at the menu before you sit down to make sure it’s within your travel budget – and that you want to eat the food there.

It’s also worth finding out what the tipping culture is in the country you’re visiting. In the US, for instance, it’s generally expected for customers to tip between 15% and 20%, so you should budget this into the cost of the meal.

9. Going to the EU? Make sure you’ve got an EHIC/GHIC card

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a national of that country, for the same amount it would cost them.

It covers you in:

• All the countries in the EU
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

If you still have an EHIC card that is in date, you can use it until it expires. If you don’t have it or yours has expired, you can apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the EHIC for most UK citizens. The government offers these cards for free (you can apply here ). Watch out for any opportunistic sites trying to charge you for one.

It should be pointed out that the EHIC and GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance cover. Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC .

10. Get insured

Relative to the potential cost of medical care abroad, travel insurance is an inexpensive way to guarantee peace of mind when travelling on a budget. It can cover you for a wide range of accidents and mishaps, which can include:

• Cancellation of your trip
• Illness and accidents while you are away
• Lost or stolen baggage

Find out more about what travel insurance covers .

Travel insurance can be quite cheap, with provider Coverwise offering single-trip policies from £5.15 and annual multi-trip policies from £11. For full details on the best options for your trip, see the top travel insurance providers .

11. Know your rights

Hopefully your trip runs smoothly, and your flights take off when you expect them to. But if you are hit by an unexpected cancellation from an airline, it’s key that you know your rights so you can get any refunds or compensation to which you are entitled. If you have been affected by flight cancellations, get the full lowdown on your travel rights .

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Budget travel , United Kingdom

Backpacking the uk on a budget – travel costs + itinerary.

Table of Contents

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While the UK is undeniably a beautiful place to travel , it can be expensive. I created this guide to backpacking the UK to help you explore the best of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland. So you don’t break the bank doing it, I’ll share a complete cost breakdown for budget travel in the UK. Since I grew up in the United Kingdom and return between trips, I have almost 30 years of experience living and spending money (or rather trying not to!) in the UK. There are so many fantastic places for budget travel in England, Scotland, Wales and NI such as London, Oxford, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Brighton, Cornwall, Devon ( England ), Cardiff, Pembrokeshire ( Wales ), Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands ( Scotland ) and Belfast (Northern Ireland).

Keep reading for my itinerary for backpacking the UK!

UK BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS Lonely Planet guidebook – Great Britain , Scotland , Wales , Ireland Accommodation: Hostels & apartments – Booking.com / Hostels – Hostelworld.com Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Getting around: Trainline / Busbud Flights: Skyscanner

Like budget travel ? Check out my budget guides to South Korea , India , Cuba and Taiwan !

Is it expensive to backpack in the UK?

Yes, the UK is expensive to travel. There are no two ways about it. The UK isn’t as expensive as Scandanavia or certain parts of the US but it’s up there as one of the world’s more expensive regions. Backpacking the UK on a budget is a totally different experience to travelling in Southeast Asia or South America. Luckily, I have plenty of budget tips for the UK to share. Of course, the ultimate tip is to escape the holiday hotspots in favour of hidden gems in the UK .

UK budget travel – what’s the cost?

Well, how long is a piece of string? However, here’s a rough estimate of how much to budget per day in the UK:

Backpacker’s UK budget (staying in hostels and cooking your own meals) – £60 per day. Mid-range UK budget travel (staying in budget Airbnbs and hotels and eating out half the time) – £100 per day. Luxury UK travel budget (staying in nice hotels and eating out for all your meals) – £200 per day.

Backpacking the UK – cost of a visa

Depending where you’re coming from, the conditions of visiting the UK will vary. Make sure you do your research and check out the current costs and requirements.

Backpacking the UK – mobile data

The best way to stay connected while travelling in the UK is to pick up a local SIM card. I use giffgaff and pay £10 for 9GB of data and unlimited calls and texts. Sign up for giffgaff and pre-order a SIM to be delivered to a UK or overseas address.

How to backpack the UK – modes of transport

If you’re wondering How much should I budget per day UK? , let’s get this out of the way: public transport makes it hard to travel on a budget in the UK! Recently, I flew into Manchester via Poland as it was a quarter of the price of the train. I don’t mean to encourage unnecessary air miles as I try to take public transport wherever possible. It’s just tricky when UK trains are more expensive than organs on the black market (I think?).

Trains in the UK

My best UK budget travel tip? Book trains in advance and be smart.

The railways in the UK are privatised which means there are lots of rival companies. Booking a ticket is a bit like playing the lottery as prices vary considerably. Here’s a screenshot of a train 4 minutes later being 5 times the price:

Average UK train prices START from:

Manchester – London: £35.

London – Brighton: £20.

Cardiff – London: £30.

Edinburgh – London: £60.

However, if you’re backpacking in the UK with limited time, you can’t deny the train is the quickest way to get around. Here are my best budget train tips:

Book your journey online to save money – it’s usually a lot more expensive to buy tickets at the station on the day. Select individual times rather than open returns. You’ll be restricted to the time you choose but at least you’ll save money. I use Trainline to shop for good deals and try and book your journeys a week in advance. If you’re visiting Wales, check the best train deals on the Transport for Wales website.

UK budget travel hack #1: go on Trainsplit . This website books you on the individual legs of your journey to save you cash. You end up carrying eight tickets but I’ve saved £15 per journey before by doing it.

UK budget travel hack #2: If you’re aged 16-25 and plan to make more than 2-3 journeys, it might be worth buying a Railcard . These cost £30 but save you a third on journeys so if you’re making a really long one, for example London to Edinburgh, you might make it back in one trip.

UK budget travel by coach

Coach travel can be ridiculously cheap. I’ve made it halfway across the country on a £1 ticket while backpacking in England!

Average coach prices in the UK:

Manchester – London: £20.

Brighton – London: £15.

Cardiff – London: £20.

Edinburgh – London: £50.

If you’re travelling England on a budget, use coach companies National Express and Megabus . Both have toilets, chargers and an online entertainment system. National Express are generally more reliable but the Megabus sales are best for picking up bargains. Compare prices using the Busbud website. Super hack for budget travel in the UK: Travel overnight and you won’t pay for accommodation. This is the lowest of the travel lows but I’ve done it plenty of times and it works!

Cost of local buses

If you’re backpacking the UK on a budget, you will want to catch local buses rather than taxis. You can take buses around cities as well as between towns and cities within the same county. These typically cost a few pounds per journey.

The main bus companies to look out for include Stagecoach which operates all around the country and Arriva which operates around the Midlands, North East, North West, South East of England and Wales. For these buses, you pay the driver in cash or with contactless bank card rather than booking online like the UK coaches and trains.

Cost of internal flights in the UK

Use Skyscanner to find these. You can find real bargains, like London to Scotland for £25 return. Just remember to factor in the price of getting to the airport. From Oxford, I have to catch a train to a London airport and then it becomes less of a bargain. Skyscanner tip – use the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going.

Budget tip – I recently found out how you can drop-off for free at Stanstead Airport !

Cost of taxis

Metered taxis in the UK cost around £3 per mile . Black cabs in London cost considerably more and should only be used as a last resort.

Taking Uber in the UK is a great way to save money but it’s only available in larger cities. Smaller cities and towns have to rely on more expensive private taxi companies. As a general rule, I’d avoid taxis if possible if you’re travelling the UK on a budget. Usually, local buses are the cheapest way to get about.

UK backpacking – where to stay

If you’re hoping to backpack the UK on a budget, finding affordable accommodation will be your biggest challenge. Accommodation prices in the United Kingdom vary depending on the city and type of accommodation you choose but they’re generally pretty high compared to many other countries. Staying in hostels is the cheapest option when backpacking the UK. Here are a few general costs:

Cost of hotels in the UK

Hotel rooms in the UK start at around £35 per night and head into the hundreds. If you’re travelling in a pair, this will reduce the cost of travel in the UK. Hotels occasionally offer single rooms but these are rarely half the price of a double or twin room. My best UK budget tip for solo travellers is to avoid hotels and opt for hostels or rooms in shared Airbnbs.

Budget hotels in major UK cities: London – The Z Hotel Victoria // Point A Hotel Paddington // Browse all London hotels . Oxford – The Buttery Guesthouse // browse all Oxford hotels . Brighton – The Royal Albion Seafront Hotel // browse all Brighton hotels Bristol – Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel // browse all Bristol hotels Manchester – easyHotel Manchester // browse all Manchester hotels Liverpool – The Z Hotel // browse all Liverpool hotels Edinburgh – CoDE Co-Living – The Loft // browse all Edinburgh hotels Glasgow – Glasgow Argyle Hotel // browse all Glasgow hotels Belfast – Jurys Inn Belfast / browse all Belfast hotels

Cost of Airbnbs in the UK

The UK is well set up on Airbnb with loads of private apartments and rooms available. Staying in a bedroom in an owner’s flat is usually cheaper than a budget hotel and only slightly more than a backpackers hostel. Renting a whole apartment is usually more expensive than a hotel room but can be reasonable if you’re backpacking the UK with a couple of other people. Private rooms in Airbnbs start at £20 per night. Entire properties (typically small flats) start at £40 per night. Remember to check the cleaning and service fees on Airbnb; these are in addition to the first price quoted when browsing the website.

Cost of hostels when backpacking the UK

Hostels in the UK start at £15 per night and are undoubtedly the cheapest places to stay, as well as a great way to meet people while travelling solo . A few good options for UK backpacking include:

London – Safestay , Wombat’s City Hostel Manchester – Selina NQ1 Manchester

Bristol – The Bristol Wing / Full Moon Backpackers

Liverpool – YHA Albert Dock , Selina Liverpool

Cambridge – YHA Cambridge

Brighton – Happy Brighton Edinburgh – Code Pod Hotel , Safestay Royal Mile Glasgow – Euro Hostel Glasgow . Even though UK accommodation is expensive, there’s usually a hack. For example, many travellers love getting outdoors at Centerparks but the prices are notoriously high. Plenty of lesser-known cheaper alternatives to Centerparks exist but you just have to do your research!

Don’t want to pay for accommodation? Check out Trusted Housesitters and set yourself up as a house sitter!

Backpacking the UK – tours & activities

Luckily for those backpacking in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are free museums, parks and neighbourhoods to discover. For guided tours and bucket list experiences, I would recommend GetYourGuide , a booking platform with affordable tours in almost all UK cities.

Top experiences for backpacking the UK:

Harry Potter studio tour (London)

Jack the Ripper tour (London)

Regents Canal, Camden and Little Venice boat tour (London)

Loch Ness & The Highlands with Hotel Pick-Up (Edinburgh)

Evening Underground Ghost Tour (Edinburgh)

The Titanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit (Belfast)

Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour (Belfast)

Best places in the UK for backpacking

To travel cheaply in the UK, pick affordable destinations to start with. There are plenty of fun and beautiful places I would recommend for UK backpacking. Planning a trip to England on a budget? Let’s start with my favourite English destinations…

Sure, it’s expensive but you can’t backpack the UK and miss London! It’s not just the main attractions like the Tower of London, London Dungeons and Buckingham Palace that put London on the map but the quirky neighbourhoods like Camden with its colourful street art and alternative East London with yet more street art in Shoreditch .

It’s possible to backpack in London because even the expensive areas like Greenwich have free things to do . Another pricey area worthy of a visit is Notting Hill where you can wander the streets and find colourful houses in London for free.

Best travel guide for London? Lonely Planet Pocket London gets my seal of approval.

Visiting Oxford as a day trip is a great excursion from London. There’s bags of history, a fantastic Covered Market for foodies and lots of impressive Oxford colleges to visit . There are plenty of free things to do in Oxford and some excellent food markets. It’s small and walkable so there’s no need to pay for transport whilst there. Read all my Oxford blogs here. Trains from London start at £5 each way (use Trainline to book) or you can get an anytime return on the Oxford Tube (bus) for £18 which is valid for 3 months. Check for other bus deals on Busbud .

If you’re backpacking England on a budget, I would suggest spending time in the north to save money. Manchester is one of my favourite UK cities. It’s fun, affordable and has plenty of hipster bars and cafes. A weekend in Manchester is the perfect amount of time to spend. The restaurant prices are way lower than London and you’ll find so many cheap eats in Manchester for under £10. Read more Manchester blogs:

• The best day trips from Manchester, England
• Where to find street art in Manchester
• 12 cool Manchester coffee shops not to miss
• The coolest restaurants in Manchester for 2022

The Lake District

The Lake District isn’t the cheapest place for backpacking England BUT if you’re travelling in a group, you can book a self-catering accommodation in the Lake District and cook your own meals. The various hikes, lakes and woodland walks are free. Nightlife is limited so have cosy nights in your cabin, spend quality time with your companions and take advantage of supermarket wine!

This fun and lively city on the coast is just an hour’s train ride from London. Brighton is a hippie and forward-thinking city with a beach, pier, tasty vegan food scene and plenty of LGBTQIA nightlife. Check out my complete guide to visiting Brighton as a day trip from London .

Bristol is another of my favourite UK cities with lots of quirky Bristol street art , vegan food, a lively open-air dining and drinking area beside the harbour and cool neighbourhoods like Bedminster. A weekend in Bristol is a great amount of time and you can also catch a 15-minute train to historic city Bath as a day trip .

With its Beatles history, cultural galleries and dockside dining around the waterfront, there’s a lot to love about this city in the north of England. The outside areas have a lively vibe in the summer but the many museums and cafes mean there are plenty of things to do in Liverpool during winter too. With cheaper prices up north, Liverpool is one of the better places for budget travel in England.

The capital of Scotland is a must for backpackers especially if you visit during August for the famous Fringe Festival (although prices shoot up for accommodation). With lots of history and several Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh , it’s one of the most iconic cities in Europe. Although it’s not cheap, there are several free things to do in Edinburgh .

I tagged Glasgow onto a trip to Edinburgh while backpacking in the UK and ended up falling in love with its quirky street art, up-and-coming areas and affordable eats. It’s without doubt, one of the cheapet cities for budget travel in the UK. When spending a weekend in Glasgow , you can explore free attractions including The Lighthouse (a modern gallery inside a period building), Pollok Country Park, The Hidden Alley, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Botanical Gardens. Excellent cheap eats in Glasgow include Gnom ,  Potluck ,  Cafe Strange Brew and Bread Meats Bread . Don’t miss the street art in Glasgow !

The capital of Northern Ireland is a vibrant city that makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region. Being the birthplace of the SS Titanic puts Belfast on the map but there are so many other reasons to visit , not just the fact the prices are relatively low compared to London and cities in the south of Great Britain. I’ll share my UK backpack itinerary further down.. .

What to eat and drink while backpacking the UK

Some of the traditional dishes to try in the UK include fish ‘n’ chips, pie and mash, a Sunday roast, full English fry ups (with sausages, bacon, black pudding, toast, baked beans and fried eggs), Yorkshire puddings, scotch eggs and sausage rolls. Make sure to have an afternoon tea with scones, cake, finger sandwiches and a pot of English breakfast tea. For breakfast, try English crumpets spread with marmite! Regarding the costs, I have good and bad news for you. Eating out in the UK is expensive but supermarkets are really affordable. So, let’s start with the average costs of eating out…

Main dish in a mid-range restaurant: £10-20. 3-course meal and alcoholic drink: £35 – £60 at a mid-range restaurant.

Budget UK restaurants

To eat out in the UK on a budget, there are a couple of decent chains which you’ll find in most cities. None of these places will set you back more than £10 per main dish. Pizza Express / Zizzi / ASK – these Italian restaurants are pretty similar. You’ll get a decent pizza for a tenner and there are always deals on if you check their websites. Leon – I love the concept of this place which is healthy fast food. It’s more of a cafe vibe but it’s open in the evenings too. I like the naked burgers with salad, and they do a solid breakfast deal of a coffee and food item for £4. Greggs – sausage rolls and pasties for pennies. I’m not saying your waistline will get smaller, but your food bill will. Plus, they have a ton of vegan options. Pieminister – to sample hearty English cuisine, try these hearty pies with various sides. Pies start at £5 or you can eat one with mash, mushy peas and gravy for £8. Nando’s – Brits are obsessed with having a ‘cheeky Nandos’ aka a Portuguese-style chicken meal with peri-peri sauces and various sides. Wagamamas – reasonably priced Asian food with a casual canteen vibe and excellent katsu curries.

UK budget travel – do you tip?

In the UK, we leave a 10% tip in restaurants but that’s about it. Occasionally, tips are already added to bills by the restaurant especially if you’re dining in a large group. Double-check the bill to see whether service is included – you don’t want to pay it twice. More commonly, a restaurant bill will include only the food and drink ordered. It’s at your discretion to add approximately 10%. Unlike some countries, we don’t tip bartenders. You might leave the change at the end of a cab journey and of course, you can give a tip to a tour guide if they’ve done a good job. But as a general rule, we don’t have a huge tipping culture.

Cost of supermarkets in the UK

One of the great things about backpacking the UK on a budget is the quality of the supermarkets. I didn’t realise until I travelled to other places how good they are. If you’re backpacking the UK and staying in self-catering accommodation, a week’s supermarket shop can cost as little as £30 per person and make affordable meals throughout your trip. For that reason, my best budget tip for the UK is to eat out as little as possible. UK supermarket costs: Pint of milk – £1, loaf of bread – £1, bag of own-brand pasta – 50p, jar of pasta sauce – £1. To give you a feel for the prices of main supermarkets, I’m going to provide a couple of examples of things their regular shoppers might say:

• M&S – ‘get the butler to pick up some canapés!’
• Waitrose – ‘throw out the rest of the smoked salmon – it’s a day out of date!’
• Sainsbury’s – ‘I buy the Taste the Difference range at weekends and the Basics during the week’
• Tesco – ‘£2 for a sandwich? Bargain!’
• Morrison’s – ‘help me, I’m poor’
• Iceland – ‘I don’t know what’s worse, the risk of salmonella or Peter Andre on their TV advert!’

Stick to the cheaper ones and you can spend less than £10 a day on food. Another UK budget tip is to buy supermarket own-brand items – these are always cheaper than global brands.

Food markets in the UK

If you’re expecting the food markets of Southeast Asia while backpacking in the UK, you’re in for a disappointment. However, there are food markets in some UK cities. I love the many food markets in Oxford , the city where I live. There are also lots of fantastic London food markets. A food market dish can cost as little as £5. While it’s still cheaper to make a packed lunch or cook at home, they’re a great option if you want something tasty without paying restaurant prices.

Budget eating tips for UK backpacking

1. Use hostel kitchens to cook your meals and make packed lunches for your days out. 2. Pack teabags and coffee sachets to save you buying £2.50 coffees every morning. 3. Grab a refillable water bottle . Not only are these environmentally friendly, but you won’t have to spend money on bottled water.

Backpacking the UK – drinks & nightlife

There’s a big pub culture in the UK but it isn’t cheap to go out. People often do rounds which means, depending how many people you’re with, you can drop £50+ on a night out!

Here are a few costs to prepare you for UK budget travel: Pint of beer in the UK: £4.5-7. Glass of wine in the UK: £6-9. Cocktail in the UK: £10-14. Club entry in the UK: This usually costs £5-10. For popular clubs in London, you can spend £20. I’m not sure if this is responsible advice but pre-drinking before going out to a bar or club is a big deal for young English people, and those backpacking in the United Kingdom! A bottle of wine that’s £5 in a supermarket will be £20 in a bar so you can see why people drink at home with friends first. A word about Wetherspoons – it’s not exactly classy but this chain of pubs is damn cheap. I’ve had a bottle of Prosecco for £10 and full meals for £5.

Backpacking London – free things to do!

Even though London is one of the world’s most expensive cities, you can’t deny there are endless free activities. If you’re backpacking in England, you’ll enjoy the plentiful of parks and the countless museums as well as free concerts and events on weekends, especially in the summer. Some of the best free things to do in London during your UK budget travel trip include… Museums – the British Museum, Museum of London, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Queen’s House, Victoria & Albert, Imperial War Museum. Markets – Leadenhall Market, Broadway Market, Maltby Street Market, Borough Market, Camden Market, Colombia Road Flower Market, Greenwich Market, Portobello Road Market, Brixton Village, Pop Brixton, Old Spitalfields Market. Check out my guide to the best London food markets .

Finding Instagrammable locations in London (like these colourful houses) is free!

Galleries – Tate Britain, National Gallery, Somerset House, Saatchi Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, God’s Own Junkyard, open-air East London street art , Carrie Reichardt’s House.

UK backpacking itinerary

Here’s a month’s itinerary for backpacking the UK: Days 1-4: London, baby! With 4 days in London, you can spend a day exploring the tourist highlights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the London Eye. Then, spend a day in East London finding street art and browsing cool markets. Another day, take yourself over to Camden and walk the towpath to Little Venice where you can take a boat ride and have brunch on a barge. You could also squeeze in Notting Hill during this day. Don’t miss Greenwich on day 4! Day 5: Take a day trip, I would suggest to Oxford or Margate . Both places are 1.5 hours away on public transport.

Day 6: Catch the train to Brighton and spend 1-2 nights visiting this beach town, shopping in boutiques and indulging in vegan food. Days 7-9: Head over to Bristol . Whilst spending a few days in this quirky city, you can also take a day trip to Bath .

Days 10-17: Wales! With a week in Wales, you can spend a day in Cardiff , visit tourist-friendly Pembrokeshire and head up north to more remote parts of Wales.

Related read: Stops for the ultimate Wales road trip

Read more of my Wales blogs:

• Guide to visiting Holy Island, Anglesey
• What to do in Anglesey, Wales
• The best things to do in Conwy, Wales
• The top attractions in Llandudno, Wales’ perfectly preserved Victorian seaside town
• Why to visit Portmeirion, the idyllic Italian village in Wales
• Fun facts about Wales

Days 18-20: Continue your UK backpacking itinerary from North Wales back into England and arrive in Liverpool. Tip – for getting around in Wales, hire a car with Rentalcars.com or take public transport. Book trains on the Transport for Wales website. Days 20-22: Spend a few nights hanging out in quirky Manchester and eating fantastic food. From here, you can take a detour into the Lake District if you have time. Days 22-27: Scotland! Here you can spend a couple of days exploring Edinburgh then head over to Glasgow. Finally, visit Inverness and take a day trip to Loch Ness . Days 28-30: Fly to Belfast and take day trips around Northern Ireland, starting with Giant’s Causeway.

Best time to backpack the UK

The UK has clear seasons: winter from December to February, spring from March to May, summer from June to August and autumn from September to November. In the summer, temperatures can reach 30 degrees and in winter they drop to around 0. In the summer, it gets dark at 9.30pm and in the winter it can get dark by 4pm. Spring and winter are between the two, characterised by their spring flowers and red autumnal leaves. Winter is miserable in the UK and summer is busy and expensive. I’d choose spring or autumn to dodge the crowds and stay reasonably warm! It rains all year around.

Events in the UK

If you can time your UK backpacking adventures around the following events, do! Glastonbury Festival – while this is my favourite UK festival , it’s not easy to get tickets. You have to fight it out with a billion other wannabe attendees the October before when tickets are released online and gone within minutes. Tickets are £260 but it’s worth increasing your UK travel budget to try and nab one. Glastonbury is one of the world’s best festivals with its many stages, inventive and quirky sets and underground raves in rabbit holes.

Notting Hill Carnival – this neighbourhood of London is fancy and upmarket throughout the year but becomes loud and vibrant during the bank holiday weekend in August when it becomes a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. Everyone is welcome! Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Unlike Glastonbury which is a camping festival, the Fringe is spread out across the city of Edinburgh comprising arts, music, culture and comedy acts. Attending the festival is free and you pay for individual shows. St Patrick’s Day – held on 17th March each year, this was once an auspicious day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. Now it’s a day dedicated to drinking! This a very lively night out across the whole UK. Expect to buy a lot of pints for people you meet at the bar. Bonfire Night – this is a strange day when you consider it commemorates an attempted terrorist attack on the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Nowadays, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on the 5th of December with bonfires and fireworks. Many people hold them in their gardens but, if you’re backpacking in the UK, you can easily join public events.

UK backpacking essentials

• Warm clothes for the winter: jeans, jumpers, jacket, scarf and waterproof shoes 
• Shorts, t-shirts, dresses etc for the summer – but always prepare for bad weather!
• Mini travel umbrella (packs up small)
• The latest copy of Lonely Planet Great Britain / Scotland / Wales / Ireland
• Technology : a GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: a stainless steel reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• A reusable metal straw to save on plastic ones
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack ( men’s ) ( women’s )
• Packing cubes (handy for organising backpacks and suitcases).

UK budget travel quick links Guide books – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). Confused about visas? I use iVisa to check visa requirements and apply for visas online For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .w Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Read my other UK guides:

• My London guides
• My Oxford guides
• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• 1 day Birmingham itinerary
• The perfect Margate day trip from London
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• How to spend 2 days in the Lake District
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter
• How to spend a weekend in Bristol

Thanks for reading my UK backpackers guide!

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See you next time for more adventures,

For more UK backpacking tips, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ Backpacking The UK On A Budget – Travel Costs + Itinerary ”

This is super helpful and awesome tips! I’m hoping to solo visit for ~2-3 weeks in early September and see all of GB. I was originally thinking a BritRail pass would be best but they are quite expensive (but still less than a rental car lol) and then I must figure out how to get from stops to destinations (castles, coasts, trails, hostels/BnBs, etc./adds costs) so it will be a bit of planning! I’ll be sure to review a lot of your articles here to help LOL. 5-stars 🙂

Hey Andrew! Glad it helped, yes planning is really required to see the UK affordably! Getting between the out-of-city attractions is always the tricky bit…

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The world’s best budget hotels that cost less than £100 per night

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We all want to travel in style, but most of us don’t have to stick to a budget when planning our holidays.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay in luxurious lodgings. You just need to know where to look.

There are some hotels that offer no-frills accommodation at bargain prices , and it’s possible to get a discount on your room if you book outside of peak season or in less popular locations.

On average, though, you’re looking at £200 a night for four-star hotel in London or £350 if you opt for a five-star location in the capital, while a luxury room will set you back $318 (£255) in New York City or €221 (£190) in Paris.

However, a new guide from travel writer Kate Leahy reveals 30 hidden gem hotels from around the world priced at less than £100 per night. Easy on the eye as well as your bank balance, the boutique locations she recommends look anything but cheap.

These are our favourites on the list (which you can see in full over on the Daily Mail site), proving bougie doesn’t need to break the bank.

Mollie’s Motel, Bristol and Oxfordshire

Here in the UK, one of the best budget hotels is Mollie’s Motel in Bristol and Oxfordshire, which is soon to open a third location in Manchester.

You can expect Hypnos mattresses, Dyson hairdryers and Cowshed products, with rooms designed by the team from Soho House – all from £70 a night for a double room.

Babel Belleville, Paris

Kate says: ‘Babel’s rooms are small but perfectly formed: Berber-influenced with patinated walls, antique furnishings and feature bed heads. A glass elevator makes the four floors accessible, including the massage room, restaurant and cocktail bar.’

It’s right in the heart of the action in the Belleville neighbourhood, between the 19th and 20th Arrondissements. Cafes, restaurants, bars and markets are all nearby, and rooms are priced from £98.

Hotel Not Hotel, Amsterdam

Rooms may be small at this boutique spot, but it’s super unique. You may just be placed in a room hidden behind a bookcase, and there’s a local tram cart in the lobby where you can get a drink.

Priced from £68 for a double, you can choose between a private or shared bathroom.

Hotel Galleria, Venice

There are only nine rooms at this Venice hotel, which is quintessentially Italian with art on the walls and ornate decor. Some even have a Juliet balcony looking out onto the Grand Canal.

Prices start from £86.

Boro Hotel, New York

Head to Queens and you can stay at Boro for £100 a night.

Its chic rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and atmospheric pendant lighting, and Manhattan is within easy reach just over the East River.

Terminus Hotel, Pyrmont, Sydney

The Terminus Hotel Pyrmont offers nine boutique double rooms, two with private ensuite bathrooms and seven with shared bathroom access, priced from £92 per night.

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‘There’s a pretty courtyard deck and bar, as well as tables outside in what was previously the pub garden,’ says Kate in her guide.

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Prince Harry sets May trip to London as cancer-stricken King Charles announces return to duties

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Prince Harry will return to London in May after King Charles III announced he’ll be resuming his royal duties amid his cancer diagnosis , Page Six can confirm.

The Duke of Sussex will stop in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games on May 8, according to BBC.

Harry –– who founded the annual multi-sport event –– is scheduled to attend a “service of thanksgiving” and give a reading with Damian Lewis at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, per the outlet.

A spokesperson told the outlet that the tenth anniversary ceremony will celebrate “a decade of changing lives and saving lives through sport.”

It’s unclear if Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, will stand alongside him or if he’ll be attending solo.

The spokesperson also didn’t clarify if Harry, 39, will spend any time with his father or brother, Prince William, in his first visit to the United Kingdom since flying to see his dad after the King’s cancer diagnosis in February .

Harry and Markle, 42, have only visited Harry’s former homeland a handful of times since quitting their royal duties in 2020.

After London, both Harry and Meghan will jet off to Nigeria as guests of the Chief of Defense Staff, Page Six can confirm.

Meghan and Harry will reportedly meet with various service members and “take part in a variety of cultural activities,” according to People .

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Similar to his London visit, the Nigerian trip will also center around the Invictus Games and their inclusion of the country last year.

“The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s strong hold at the game and the possibility of hosting the event in later years,” the Acting Director of Defence Information said in a statement.

The country holds a special place in the Harry and Markle’s hearts, as he revealed in 2022 that she was 43 percent Nigerian.

“Now, I’m not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,” he said at the games last year.

Harry last flew out to London to check on King Charles, 75, after the King shared he was diagnosed with an undisclosed kind of cancer in February.

More must-see royals coverage:

• How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met
• Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timeline
• Royal family tree and line of succession

On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch would return to his public duties with his wife, Queen Camilla, amid his ongoing battle.

“To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” they shared in a statement.

Meanwhile, Prince William’s wife, Kate Middleton, announced last month that she was  diagnosed with cancer  and was preparing to begin preventative chemotherapy.

“In January, I  underwent major abdominal surgery  in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said in a video.

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