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. 

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

May 14, 2024 • 7 min read

These money-saving tips can help you find ways to experience the Netherlands on a budget.

Jul 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 9, 2023 • 8 min read

Nov 25, 2021 • 6 min read

Feb 15, 2020 • 7 min read

Jan 29, 2020 • 9 min read

Jan 12, 2020 • 5 min read

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Nov 13, 2019 • 10 min read

Oct 28, 2019 • 19 min read

The cheapest way to travel ENGLAND ON A BUDGET

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: May 14, 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, and vouchercode.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. 

Stay Creative!

Thank you for your support and love for Creative Travel Guide. If you are looking for more video tips, make sure to head over to your YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for daily tips and chats.

Share any questions or comments below and happy creative travels!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

WEEKEND ROMANTIC BREAKS IN THE UK - Creative Travel Guide

Friday 17th of May 2024

[…] you’re visiting the UK for a while, make sure you read up on the cheapest way to travel England and the UK and this 10-day UK itinerary is a great post to get you started on planning your […]

How to plan your first trip to LONDON - Creative Travel Guide

Thursday 18th of May 2023

[…] a vast transportation system, it’s important to research the best ways to get around and the cheapest ways to travel England. This will save time and money, especially during peak travel seasons. Make sure to consider […]

12 Best Last-minute UK city breaks - Creative Travel Guide

[…] the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. If you are looking to visit England on a budget, this is a great option as it is cheaper than other cities like Liverpool and […]

HOW TO TRAVEL ENGLAND FAQ - Creative Travel Guide

[…] on where you are staying. London hotels are more expensive than other cities but you can visit the UK on a budget and spend as little as $100 a […]

10 PLACES TO GO FOR A WEEKEND AWAY IN ENGLAND - Creative Travel Guide

[…] is another popular spot to visit. This is also a great place to visit if you are looking to save money in England, this city is much cheaper than others in the […]

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

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• 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

About this article

Did this article help you?

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

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!

• Work With Me

• Central America
• South America
• Solo Travel
• Budget Travel
• Digital Nomad Life
• Work Exchange
• Foodie Experiences
• Responsible Travel
• Winter Travel
• Backpacker Accommodation
• Accommodation In the UK
• Hostel Tips
• Hostel Packing List
• Work as a Hostel Volunteer
• Work in Exchange for Accommodation
• Travel Websites to Book Your Trip
• Travel Planning Checklist
• How to Travel for Free
• How to Save Money While Travelling
• Carry On Packing List
• Long Haul Flight Essentials
• Campervan Packing List
• Flight Tips
• Solo Travel Tips
• Accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Packing Lists
• Eco-Friendly Travel Products
• Carry On Backpacks
• Backpack Essentials
• Filter Water Bottles
• Camera Gear
• Camping Gear
• Gifts for Travel Lovers
• Backpacking Gifts
• Hiking Gifts
• Campervan Gifts
• Beach Gifts
• Personalised Travel Gifts
• Small Travel Gifts
• World Map Gifts
• Gift Experiences
• Privacy Policy

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!

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Mobile Apps
• Stream on discovery+
• Program Guide
• Ghost Adventures
• Ghost Hunters
• Ghost Brothers
• Conjuring Kesha

The Dead Files

• Destination Fear
• Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life
• Expedition Bigfoot
• Ghost Nation
• The Holzer Files
• Kindred Spirits
• Mountain Monsters
• Paranormal Caught on Camera
• Portals to Hell
• Amy Bruni and Adam Berry
• Destination Fear Team
• Don Wildman
• Ghost Adventures Crew
• The Holzer Files Team
• Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman
• Steve Dischiavi
• Watch Live TV
• Tips for Solo Travelers
• 4 Gorgeous Waterfalls
• 5 Extreme Swings
• World's 10 Best Swimming Holes
• Best BBQ in America
• Tilt! at 360 Chicago

Digital Exclusives

• Big City, Little Budget: New York
• Big City, Little Budget: San Francisco
• Bizarre Foods in the Kitchen
• One Bag and You're Out

From Our Shows

• Bizarre Foods
• Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations
• Booze Traveler
• Expedition Unknown
• Hotel Impossible

Mysteries at the Museum

Top domestic.

• New Orleans
• New York City
• Washington, DC

Top International

• Myrtle Beach
• Niagara Falls
• San Antonio

Explore By Region

• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• South & Central America

Top Interests

• Amusement Parks
• Arts and Culture
• Food and Wine
• National Parks
• Health and Wellness
• Long Weekends
• Outdoor Adventure

By Traveler

• Family Travel
• Girls' Getaways
• LGBT Travel
• Solo Travel

Travel Tips

• Budget Tips
• Gear and Gadgets
• Hotels and Lodging
• Plan Your Bucket List
• Savvy Traveler
• Travel's Best

Britain on a Budget

Related to:.

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.

What to Miss in London

Traversing Edinburgh's Fringe Festival With Kids

7 Hours in Barcelona

London’s Must-See Neighborhoods

What to Do in Reykjavik on a Budget

Britain's Top 10 Castles

9 Hours in Paris

Backpackers' UK

Explore Edinburgh on a Budget

This ancient city can be a deal if you where to look.

Tuscany Should Be Your Next Adventure Travel Destination

More creepy content.

Paranormal-Themed Pajamas and Blankets for Your Next TRVL Binge Sesh 11 Photos

Jack Osbourne's Most Shocking Adventures 9 Photos

Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation 8 Photos

Tips to Avoid Hotel and Homestay Booking Scams 6 Photos

10 Over-the-Top Airbnb’s We’d Love to Stay in 11 Photos

The Best Travel-Size Toiletries to Bring On Your Next Trip 13 Photos

The Best Viral Travel Gear from TikTok 19 Photos

The Spirits in the Conjuring House Were Quick to Show Themselves Apr 7, 2023

Haunted History: A Shuttered Pennsylvania Nursing Home Is Home to Dozens of Trapped Souls Mar 30, 2023

Cult Leader Charles Manson Controlled People from Behind Bars Mar 24, 2023

7 Best Pieces of Evidence Recovered By the Expedition Bigfoot Team Mar 14, 2023

6 Things Witnesses Said About the Roswell Incident Mar 10, 2023

Creepy Urban Legends From Each State Nov 16, 2022

Unraveling The Mysterious Death of Marilyn Monroe Feb 24, 2023

Is Abraham Lincoln Haunting the White House? Feb 16, 2023

Top 5 States For UFO Sightings Feb 8, 2023

Amityville: Inside the Case that Rattled a Seasoned Paranormal Investigator Jan 30, 2023

This Doll Might Haunt You Just Because You Saw Her Photo Jan 26, 2023

7 Times a Ghost Was Caught on Security Camera Dec 14, 2021

11 Eerie Urban Legends of New Jersey Jan 6, 2023

This Teddy Bear Can Tell You If Your House Is Haunted Dec 22, 2022

Gifts for the Aspiring Ghost Hunter in Your Life 9 Photos

Ornaments for the Paranormal and Supernatural Obsessed 11 Photos

Get To Know Chuck & Karama, Hosts Of The ‘Pop Paranormal’ Podcast Dec 13, 2022

12 Days of December UFO Sightings 13 Photos

Creepy urban legends from each state 50 photos.

A Massachusetts Family Fled Their Home After Chilling Door-Camera Footage Nov 22, 2022

6 Museums That Are Home To Creepy And Mysterious Artifacts Oct 31, 2022

10 Terrifying Shows To Get You In The Halloween "Spirit" Oct 31, 2022

Meet Kimo, The High Seer Who Doesn’t Do Fear Oct 28, 2022

Follow us everywhere.

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

More From Travel

• Sweepstakes
• Stream Travel Channel
• Ways to Watch Travel Channel

• Privacy Policy
• Visitor Agreement
• Online Closed Captioning
• Accessibility
• Discovery, Inc.
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Food Network
• Travel Channel
• Cooking Channel
• Discovery.com
• © 2024 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Pack your bags

Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates in your inbox!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

How to Visit England & Scotland on a Budget

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

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.

Related Posts

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NomadTreneur

England Travel Guide on a Budget

[email protected]

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.

most recent

best all inclusive resorts for solo travelers

North America

Best breakfast in chicago downtown.

Exploring Arkansas: Top Activities for Every Traveler

what language spoken in belgium?

best budget phones australia

affordable hotels in myrtle beach sc

nomadtreneur

PH +1 000 000 0000

24 M Drive East Hampton, NY 11937

© {{2023}} Nomadtreneur

Travel Tips for Visiting London on a Budget

Mark D. Kahler

Visiting London on a budget can be challenging, because this is among the world's most expensive cities. Each year, many prospective tourists -- people who would enjoy themselves very much in this city -- bypass London because of high costs.

But it is possible to visit this vibrant, historic city on a budget. Here are some strategies for dealing with the price of a trip to London. Check out budget travel tips for airfares, hotels, transportation, things to do, dining, attractions and even a short layover on the way to another city. 

London Airfare

It is set up as few other cities for economical travel. There are six major airports in the region that serve hundreds of commercial flights a day. With this much volume, there are many more chances for the budget traveler to snag a bargain ticket. Check out some strategies to get started with your search.

London Hotels

A typical London hotel room is undersized and overpriced. But there are ways to save. Consider London's budget hotels, bed & breakfast options, hostels or apartment rentals. Start looking for ways to save money for London accommodations on a budget .

London Transport

What's the cheapest way to get around London? The answer depends upon your plans. If you're planning to spend most of your time in Central London, there's little doubt The Tube is your most efficient and economical option. Take a look at tips for public transport and car rental.

London Things to Do

London is a city with famous attractions that are often viewed as "must visits." Some of them are expensive. But you can balance those expenditures with plenty of free or inexpensive activities. Attending Broadway-quality productions is cheaper in London than New York.

London Restaurants

Many travelers will tell you London is not known for its food. You'll do better in other European capitals such as Paris and Rome. While that might be true for many tastes, don't discount the variety of budget choices London offers travelers. From pubs to the area's thousands of small ethnic restaurants, you're bound to find a satisfying cheap meal on a budget in London.

London is famous for Parliament and Savile Row.

For many, it is not a place to visit solely for its cuisine. People who feel this way tend to have food-critic tastes and budgets to match.

As with all stereotypes, this one fades with each passing year. Excellent food and reasonable prices are not that hard to find. In fact, the cosmopolitan nature of this vast city makes it one of the best locations on earth for sampling a variety of dishes.

Let's start with breakfast.

Bed-and-breakfast establishments typically offer a morning meal that will tide you over until dinner. Lunch need not be more than a snack. If you stay at a conventional hotel where breakfast is not included, consider this: Unlike Paris and many other European cities, you can find hearty breakfasts in restaurants here that will not break the budget.

Lunch and even dinner can be a "picnic" assembled at London's markets.

London pub tours have long been a place to enjoy an inexpensive meal and incomparable atmosphere. Beware: developers are putting up imitations of the authentic neighborhood pubs throughout the city. The imitations are frequently long on expense and short on authenticity.

London is a great place to employ a sound budget dining strategy. The idea is to eat a big, free breakfast when possible, take it easy on lunch, and save the bulk of your food budget for nice dinners that expose you to the culture of your destination.

There are a number of guides that give information based on price ranges, generally using "expensive-moderate-inexpensive" or similar designations.

London Dining Guide  provides links to restaurants in a fairly wide area.

Other guides are less structured, and often assembled by students or people with an interest in helping visitors to London.

London Eye - Review

 TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

It's one of the most popular attractions in London, but it can rank among the most expensive when you have a larger travel party at peak tourist season. What's worse, it can cost you precious time waiting in line. Consider your interests, budget and time constraints carefully before you plan a visit to London Eye -- with help from this review.

London Layovers on a Budget

It happens to many travelers in Europe: you find yourself with a lengthy layover in London or with 10 hours to switch from one major airport to another before your journey can continue. It is possible to take in a few sights on a budget if you know how to plan for a London layover .

London Budget Travel Mistakes

In any city that attracts large numbers of visitors, there are traps (both intended and otherwise) that will cost you money. In London, some first-time visitors are intimidated when confronted with public transport, opting for expensive cabs instead. Don't allow your initial reactions to result in added costs. You'll save money and that other precious resource of time.

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

Surviving Singapore on a Budget

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

Strategies for Visiting New York City on a Budget

Tips on How to Save Money when You Visit Toronto

Everything You Should Know Before Renting Your First RV

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

Visiting Paris on a Budget

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

Budget London for Senior Travelers

Your Trip to Puerto Rico: The Complete Guide

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the Czech Republic: The Complete Guide

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Your Trip to Florence: The Complete Guide

Join the Expat Explore family!

We’ll deliver top travel tips, insider info and travel inspiration right to your inbox.

Where to go

Get prepared to travel

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

Budget travel , United Kingdom

Backpacking the uk on a budget – travel costs + itinerary.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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!

If you liked it, please share it

See you next time for more adventures,

For more UK backpacking tips, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked this guide to backpacking in the UK? Pin this for later!

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…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

• Travel Planning Guide

United Kingdom Travel Budget - Visit United Kingdom on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Is the United Kingdom Expensive?
• How much does a trip to the United Kingdom cost?
• UK On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Northern Ireland
• UK Hotel Prices
• UK Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for One Week in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in the United Kingdom
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in the United Kingdom
• Best Beach Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for One Night in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for Skiing in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in the United Kingdom
• Best Adults Only Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Party Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Luxury Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Cheap Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in the United Kingdom
• Best Business Hotels in the United Kingdom
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• UK Activities
• UK Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to UK
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in UK
• The Best Historical Tours in UK
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in UK
• The Best 3-Day Tours in UK
• The Best Bicycle Tours in UK
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in UK
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in UK
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in UK
• The Best Adventure Tours to UK
• The Best Eco Tours in UK
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in UK
• The Best Cultural Tours in UK
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in UK
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in UK
• The Best Luxury Tours to UK
• The Best Budget Tours to UK
• The Best Tours for Seniors to UK
• Lake District National Park
• How much does it cost to travel to the United Kingdom? (Average Daily Cost)
• The United Kingdom trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in the United Kingdom?

Is the united kingdom expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to the United Kingdom?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to the United Kingdom?

You should plan to spend around $194 (£153) per day on your vacation in the United Kingdom. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $47 (£37) on meals
• $37 (£29) on local transportation
• $193 (£152) on hotels

A one week trip to the United Kingdom for two people costs, on average, $2,712 (£2,142) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 194 £ 153
• One Week Per person $ 1,356 £ 1,071
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,712 £ 2,142
• One Month Per person $ 5,812 £ 4,590
• One Week For a couple $ 2,712 £ 2,142
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,425 £ 4,284
• One Month For a couple $ 11,625 £ 9,179

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the United Kingdom cost?

A one week trip to the United Kingdom usually costs around $1,356 (£1,071) for one person and $2,712 (£2,142) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the United Kingdom on average costs around $2,712 (£2,142) for one person and $5,425 (£4,284) 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 the United Kingdom will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the United Kingdom on average costs around $5,812 (£4,590) for one person and $11,625 (£9,179) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the United Kingdom is $291 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester 3 Days - 10 Destinations $ 504
• 4 Day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge Small-Group Tour from Bristol 4 Days - 16 Destinations $ 820

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently 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.

The United Kingdom is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, the United Kingdom is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to the Netherlands or Denmark.

For more details, see Is the United Kingdom Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the United Kingdom?

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

Accommodation Budget in the United Kingdom

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the United Kingdom is $96 (£76). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the United Kingdom is $193 (£152). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 96 £ 76
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 193 £ 152

Hotel Prices in the United Kingdom

Looking for a hotel in the United Kingdom? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in the United Kingdom based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $113. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Abergavenny Hotel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 173
• East Horton Farmhouse Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 114

Local Transportation Budget in the United Kingdom

The cost of a taxi ride in the United Kingdom is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $37 (£29) per person, per day, on local transportation in the United Kingdom.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 37 £ 29

Recommended Services

• One Way Taxi Transfer from London to Stansted Airport Viator $ 140
• One-Way Taxi Transfer from Stansted Airport to London Viator $ 150

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in the United Kingdom are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in the United Kingdom, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Oyster Card £ 27
• Train to Gatwick Airport (2) £ 22
• Toll Way - Mersey tunnel £ 1.70
• Parking £ 1.70
• Parking in Manchester £ 3.00
• City bike hire Liverpool £ 6.00
• Parking £ 2.00
• Ferry to Isle of Wight £ 16

Food Budget in the United Kingdom

While meal prices in the United Kingdom can vary, the average cost of food in the United Kingdom is $47 (£37) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the United Kingdom should cost around $19 (£15) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the United Kingdom is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 47 £ 37

Recommended

• Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours Viator $ 97
• Royal English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours Viator $ 128

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in the United Kingdom are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in the United Kingdom, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch for 2 £ 23
• Lunch for 2 £ 46
• Nice lunch at Fleece £ 61
• Coffee (2) £ 4.80
• Turkish Delight £ 1.40
• 2 Coffees and Scones £ 5.80
• Soup at the Pub £ 5.90
• Lunch for 2 £ 17

Entertainment Budget in the United Kingdom

Entertainment and activities in the United Kingdom typically cost an average of $35 (£27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 35 £ 27

Recommended Activities

• Agatha Christie walking tour - the story of her extraordinary life Viator $ 26
• Bath Tour - 3 Hour Private Tour with Local Guide, £180 per… Viator $ 117

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in the United Kingdom are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in the United Kingdom, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch £ 12
• Comedy Show £ 8.00
• London Pass £ 47
• Warwick Castle (2) £ 59
• Thermal Bath Spa £ 35
• Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2) £ 12
• Two Bike Rental £ 34

Tips and Handouts Budget in the United Kingdom

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the United Kingdom is $32 (£25) per day. The usual amount for a tip in the United Kingdom is 10% - 20% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 32 £ 25

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in the United Kingdom

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in the United Kingdom is $94 (£74), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 94 £ 74

Alcohol Budget in the United Kingdom

The average person spends about $16 (£13) on alcoholic beverages in the United Kingdom per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 16 £ 13
• Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket Viator $ 25
• Tayport Distillery Tour & Tastings Viator $ 19

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in the United Kingdom are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in the United Kingdom, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern £ 1.65
• Ciders at Kilted Skirlie £ 3.50
• Bottle of Wine £ 12
• Drinks at the Walnut Pub (for 2) £ 10
• Pitcher of Pimms £ 15
• Drinks at the Pub (for 2) £ 7.55
• Beer & Wine £ 14
• Beers £ 8.00

Water Budget in the United Kingdom

On average, people spend $5.07 (£4.00) on bottled water in the United Kingdom per day. The public water in the United Kingdom is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 5.07 £ 4.00

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about the United Kingdom.

Why would you recommend the United Kingdom to budget travelers? Or, why not?

This was one of the more expensive countries that we visited in Europe. If you really need to save money, avoid London, which was crazy expensive.

How can you save money during your time in the United Kingdom?

We got the family pass for the trains, which saved us a ton of money on train tickets. We bought it before we arrived and used it on all of our tickets.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Related Articles

The united kingdom on a budget.

At A Glance

• London is notoriously expensive. It's easily the cheapest city to fly into, but once you arrive you'll find your money quickly disappears. If you're hoping to keep costs down, spend more time in the other areas around the United Kingdom and less time in London. In the more rural communities you'll find that your expenses are far less.
• The countries that make up the United Kingdom each have their own set of bank holidays. Look at a calender before you schedule your trip to make sure that your vacation does not overlap any of these bank holidays. If it does, you will find that prices are higher and attractions are more crowded.
• There are many discount airlines that fly into and out of London and the United Kingdom. If you book tickets through one of these airlines, make sure that you understand all of the restrictions as well as what's included in the price. Some flights fly into inconvenient airports as well, so confirm that there are transportation connections available to where you need to go.
• If you're traveling by train, there are usually discounts available for children or groups. Also, there are regional railcards available if you plan to take several different trips within the area. Research all of the restrictions on these cards prior to purchasing them. If you do decide to buy single tickets, it is best to buy them in advance when the prices are often lower. Great Britain is an area where you will benefit from having a set schedule and itinerary in advance of your trip.
• There are several different bus companies available throughout the country. The buses are usually of high quality and they generally run on schedule. The more popular bus companies include National Express, Megabus, CityLink, and Dot2Dot. Some companies are focused on specific regions, while other serve the entire country. Some companies are also notoriously cheaper than others.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Search for Travel Costs

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

Travel Cost Data

You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .

A Simple Link

For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code or this page's address.

Travel Cost Widget

To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget . Make sure that you keep the link back to our website intact.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

13 Secrets To Traveling On A Budget In London

London is a popular destination among city lovers.

It’s easy to fall in love with this bustling, cosmopolitan city.

Not only is it packed with historic sites and cultural centers, but London also boasts a dynamic food scene and a thriving nightlife. In fact, London can be pretty addictive – the more you see of it, the more you’ll want to go back.

But there’s just one problem; London is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe.

The good news:

There are many ways you can explore London on a budget if you plan your trip carefully.

I asked 13 travel bloggers and London fans to share their little-known tips for experiencing budget-friendly London, and I’ve compiled their suggestions into this England travel guide .

Pro tip: Get out and explore! To help, here is a 5-day England itinerary from London to Carlisle by train that won’t break the bank! Moreover, here are 26 hotels with private hot tubs in the UK , many of which are budget-friendly and can truly make your trip to Europe more fun!

Table of Contents

1) Opt For The City’s Bike-Sharing Program

“My top tip for travelling on a budget in London would be to ditch the tube or the taxi and instead opt for something cheaper like the bus! Not only do you get to see London as you travel but you also travel super cheap. Or if you’d like to travel even cheaper then jump on one of the thousands of Santander bikes that are dotted around the city from London Bridge to Covent Garden and bike around London to see the sights! Santander Cycles is London’s self-service, bike-sharing scheme and you can hire a bike from as little as £2.”

– Sophie Davis from Sophie’s Suitcase  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

2) Take Advantage Of The Pre-Theater Set Menus At The West End Restaurants

“Exploring London’s West End can be a pricey experience.  You might be looking for a nice meal on a budget or perhaps a bite to eat before (or after) a trip to the theater.  Either way, between food, service charges and theater tickets you can be looking at a really expensive night out.

Consider dining at one of many restaurants in TheatreLand (the area around the West End) and take advantage of the pre-theater set menus on offer.  Most restaurants have these menus available at specific time slots and you don’t HAVE to go to the theater after.  If you want to sightsee you can grab a quick two or three course meal for usually less than £20, sometimes including wine!

Some venues are popular and require a reservation to ensure you get a table, but at many you can arrive and be seated almost instantly.  It really depends on the day and the time of year.”

– Roma Small from Roaming Required  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

3) Go Up To The Sky Garden

“Not many tourists know that you can climb to the top of a sky scraper in the City of London and admire the panoramic views over the English capital, for free. The City of London is usually avoided by the tourists, thinking that this is just a financial district. It is, however, the home of some of the most amazing roof top bars in town.

In order to get to the Sky Garden you have to make an online booking (at least 2 weeks before, even more in summer) and choose your desired time slot. No worries, it is free. I suggest researching when the sunset is and go then, if the sky is clear you will be in for a feast. You can spend as much time as you want once you are inside and you can even have a drink at one of the bars or enjoy a concert up there. The entire rooftop of the building is transformed into a tropical garden so expect it to be quite hot.”

– Joanna Davis from The World In My Pocket  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

Editor’s note: The Sky Garden is a top pick on our list of things to do alone in London if you’re traveling solo!

4) Check Out The Free Museums

“Want to see Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet paintings up close? For FREE?

Yes, London has over 20 FREE museums to visit. See Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci’s works at the National Gallery, or stroll through Tate Modern, a former power plant, which showcases modern artists such as Picasso, Dal í , and Warhol. You can also explore world history through amazing artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone, at the British Museum.”

– John Graham from Johnny Worldwide

By the way, these museums are great whether you’re traveling solo, visiting in a group, or exploring London with kids .

5) Wander The Stalls At Camden Market

“In London, you don’t need to spend anything on entertainment to enjoy yourself for days. Go to the markets, especially the Camden Market. You can wander the stalls and take in the bustle of the city. The markets make for some of the best people watching in London. Afterwards, head to one of the fantastic and free museums, like the Tate Modern or British Museum, watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and enjoy the amazing public parks like Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park.”

– Stephanie Craig from History FanGirl  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

6) Stay In Student Dorms And Head To Covent Garden And Soho For Cheap Drinks

“It’s no secret that London is an expensive place to go for a drink but there is a way to enjoy a cocktail or two without breaking the bank. You’ll be hard pressed to beat the price of Weatherspoon pubs, which can be found all over the city, but if you’re looking for something a little fancier, a lot of great bars offer great happy hour deals. Head to the Earlham Street Clubhouse in Covent Garden between Monday and Saturday from 5-7pm to enjoy £5 cocktails, something practically unheard of in the city centre. If you’re looking to branch out into some of the more trendy boroughs then Venn Street Record in Clapham and Rum Kitchen in SoHo have similar offers to go alongside their young, laid back vibes.

Accommodation can be notoriously expensive in London, even for a bed in a shared dorm, so it can be best to think a little unconventionally. Kings College London rents out its student accommodation over the summer months (July to September usually), allowing you a lot more privacy that a dorm whilst retaining the community feel of a hostel. They have buildings all over the city so it might be worth a look.”

– Katie Ackerley from Real World Runaway  ( Twitter  &  Instagram )

7) Eat At The City’s Street Food Markets

“If you’re visiting London, but don’t want to break the bank, here’s a great tip to save those pennies. After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll probably want to refuel with some delicious food, so head to one of London’s many food markets for some tasty treats that won’t make a huge dent in your wallet. There are many food markets to choose from around London, including Borough Market by London Bridge, Greenwich Market , or one of the many street food markets in Shoreditch, such as BOXPARK . The best thing about these markets is that you can take your pick from any number of cuisines from up-and-coming culinary talents at affordable prices.”

– Julianna Barnaby from The Discoveries Of  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

8) Wait Until The Last Minute When Booking Theater Tickets

“When I booked a month-long stay in London as part of my RTW trip, I didn’t even consider trying to see a play on the West End. That must cost an arm and a leg right? But after a couple weeks passing ads on the Underground, I decided to check show times online at Londontheatre.co.uk and lo and behold! There were seats at Wicked that night for 17.50 pounds. On arrival, I found out that price even included a glass of prosecco! And I didn’t feel I had a bad view despite being in one of the last rows. If you’re a solo traveler interested in London theater, wing it!”

– Danielle Bricker from World Smith  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

9) Rent A Private Room In Canary Wharf

“Accommodation in London can be very pricey, especially during the summer time or pretty much always during the weekends. Instead of booking a hotel, try to find a private room in a shared flat, on Airbnb, for example. For as low as 40-50 pounds a night (for 2-3 people) you can live in a neat flat in the city centre (within the zones 1-2). Canary Wharf is a great district that has tons of modern flats in great condition close to various tube stations. And if you’re traveling with kids, Airbnbs offer some of the best family-friendly accommodation in London that can also help you save a ton!”

– Liza from Tripsget Travel Blog  ( Facebook  &  Instagram )

10) Take The Bus Instead Of The Tube

“London is famed both for the Tube (its underground railway system) and its red double-decker buses. Given the choice, I’d go with the city buses any day! For one, the buses are a lot cheaper. A single bus fare costs £1.50 for adults, while a Tube ride costs at least £2.40 per ride. The price for a Tube ride goes up depending on how far you’re going and whether or not you are using an Oyster card. Furthermore, any bus transfers within the hour are free, and there’s a daily cap to your fare of £4.50.

The best part is, you’re actually traveling above ground unlike with the Tube, and the views are exceptionally good from the upper deck of the bus. You’re getting where you need to be for cheap and getting a free city tour out of it… a win-win!”

– Tendelle Sheu from Travel A La Tendelle  ( Instagram )

11) Experience ‘Alternative’ London

“You know what they say, always ask a local. Alternative London is a social enterprise created to put London’s underground art scene on display guided by those that know it best — the artists. The first “pay-as-you wish” company to offer tours, they also offer bike tours, brewery tours, food tours, and workshops for a nominal fee. Along the East End route, you’ll be introduced to works by Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Invader, and many other up-and-coming street artists. The area is a thriving hub that fosters creativity outside the confines of a traditional museum. The tours are a must-see to get acquainted with London’s cultural scene.”

– Lauren Monitz from The Down Lo  ( Instagram  and Twitter )

12) Go On A Free Walking Tour

“The most wonderful thing about London is that a large part of it is walkable. Since there are so many travelers coming through the city every day, there are also many, many options for free walking tours that are funded on tips! The one I went on was 3 hours (pretty standard length) and covered the East side of London – including Buckingham Palace, Prince Harry’s House, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben!

You can find the best ones online, through TripAdvisor or Google, or search through the maps and brochures that your hostel provides! Many tour companies will distribute free materials like maps to get the word out about their tours.”

– Alice Chen from Wherever I Want  ( Instagram  and Facebook )

13) Explore The City’s Amazing Parks

“London has many beautiful parks that you can visit for free and they are all unique for different reasons. If you like bird watching I highly recommend Regent’s Park, which is home to many bird species. You can spot Mandarin ducks, herons, parrots, jays and black swans, just to mention a few. From there you can make your way to Primrose Hill which will give you a great view of the city centre and the London Zoo. Don’t forget your kite at home if you have one as you can hardly find a better place to fly it!

Hampstead Heath is great for the more adventurous type. It is wilder, has woods, which is perfect to hang a hammock. On a hot day you can even go for a swim in one of the ponds. Richmond Park and Bushy park are both great for spotting deer and climbing trees.”

– Enikő Krix from Travel Hacker Girl  ( Instagram )

What are your tips for traveling to London on a budget? Please share in the comments below!

London packing essentials.

[columns] [one-fourth]

Scarf Shawl  

This stylish garment is great for throwing on in chilly restaurants. It also doubles as a travel blanket AND works for picnics. [/one-fourth] [one-fourth]

KnowRoaming Global SIM Sticker

Simply affix this sticker to your SIM card to get local rates in over 200 countries. Most unlimited data packages are only $7.99/day! [/one-fourth] [one-fourth]

Stylish Travel Wallet

This roomy travel bag is great for sightseeing in style. [/one-fourth] [one-fourth]

Personal Alarm

Wear it as a bracelet and pull the pin to have a piercing alarm blare. It’s great for hiking as it scares away potential dangerous wildlife! [/one-fourth] [/columns]

Related posts:

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

Want to live your best life through travel?

Subscribe for FREE access to my library of fun blogging worksheets and learn how to get paid to travel more!

Turn Your Travel Blog Into A Profitable Business

Subscribe to my email list to snag instant access to my library of workbooks, checklists, tutorials and other resources to help you earn more money -- and have more fun -- blogging. Oh, and it's totally FREE! :) //  Privacy Policy . 

Check your inbox for your welcome email + resource library password!

10 Comments

This is a great roundup! Love some of these tips and excited to use them!

Your 13 secrets are wonderful and very useful at the very same time.. Would surely use your travel tips while travelling.

That’s an amazing useful list! Next time when I go to London, I’m heading to Canary Wharf and the Sky garden! Thank you!

We loooooooove London! The Sky Garden is the most amazing FREE thing to do!

Need to take one of the tours next time. And yes, you can travel London on a budget. So many free museums!

@Neni: And good ones, too! 🙂

London’s food markets are the best! A nice way to experience the city.

I love London. Your tips are great for exploring more. I would love to see Sky gardens one day.

I loved reading your blog, it is so well written, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Great tips for budget travelers in London! To add to these secrets, consider Mowbray Court Hotel for an affordable and comfortable stay in London. Your wallet will thank you!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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 :-)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

From thrifty N.H. residents to Connecticut’s big spenders, here’s how much New Englanders spend on vacation

What do you spend on travel every year tell us in the comments..

Welcome back to Survey Says, a carefully curated collection of travel surveys that have piqued our interest. Translation: We found some fun tidbits and slapped them together. This week, we dive into the world of travel budgets.

How much do you spend on travel every year?

The answer, at least according to one recent study, depends on where you reside. The study by a Canadian online casino asked 3,000 U.S. residents about their vacation preferences and how much they spend while on holiday. In New England, vacation budgets ranged from about $1,900 to $2,600, with one glaring exception.

Advertisement

The study’s most surprising finding was that New Hampshire residents spend the least on vacations compared with other states. Granite State residents are the thriftiest, with an annual vacation budget of just $450. They also take fewer vacations, with workers in New Hampshire and Maine only taking one vacation per year, compared to the average of two weeks for New England residents.

Here’s the breakdown of what New Englanders spend for vacation.

• Connecticut: $2,583, two vacations a year.
• Maine: $1,860, one vacation a year.
• Massachusetts: $2,234, two vacations a year.
• New Hampshire: $450, one vacation a year.
• Rhode Island: $2,271, two vacations a year.
• Vermont: $2,000, two vacations a year.

It’s not only budgets that differ from state to state. The study also found that preferred activities depend on the state of residence. There is plenty of overlap (hello, beaches) and some key differences.

Which activities do New Englanders enjoy on vacation?

Connecticut

The big spenders from Connecticut favor beach and poolside vacations. Adventure holidays are the second choice, with cruises coming in third. Family members are the preferred travel companions.

The top vacation choice for Maine residents is an adventure getaway. Cultural getaways and lake vacations tie for the second favorite, followed by amusement park vacations in third place. Somehow, beach vacations did not make the list of top vacations. Perhaps Mainers flee the beaches because too many Massachusetts residents are on the sand.

Massachusetts

It’s no surprise that Massachusetts denizens favor beach and poolside vacations. Cultural vacations rank second, with adventure travel and city trips tying for third. Family members are Bay Staters’ preferred travel companions.

New Hampshire

The thrifty folks of New Hampshire favor beach and poolside vacations. Road trips are the second most popular option, with city breaks coming in third. New Hampshire residents prefer traveling with family members.

Rhode Island

While most New Englanders crave getting into nature, the top vacation option for Rhode Islanders is city breaks. Cultural holidays are the second favorite, followed by beach and poolside relaxation in third place. The preferred travel companion of Ocean State residents is a partner or spouse.

Vermonters’ top choice is ski vacations. Beach and poolside relaxation is the second favorite, with adventure vacations in third place. Although they may like to ski, Vermont residents don’t want to hit the slopes with family members. They prefer taking vacations with friends.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

World’s best budget airlines 2024 revealed – with UK operator named best in Europe

Airasia, southwest airlines and flydubai ranked among the top 25 low-cost operators, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

The world’s best budget airlines to cut costs without compromising on hospitality have been revealed – and easyJet topped the list for Europe .

A new ranking by AirlineRatings.com , an aviation safety and product website, ranked the top 25 low-cost airlines for 2024 as part of its annual Airline Excellence Awards.

The budget airlines were evaluated by a team of aviation experts based on 12 criteria including passenger reviews, fleet age, profitability, product offerings and safety and incident ratings out of seven stars.

Featured in the top 25, Vueling, Jetblue, Air Canada Rouge and Cebu Pacific impressed based on passenger feedback and safety audits from aviation governing bodies.

Vietnamese airline Vietjet was individually awarded the overall title of the best ultra-low-cost airline with the best quality onboard hospitality.

As for the regional winners, in Europe , easyJet took the top spot for the best low-cost airline.

The highest-ranking European airline was joined by fellow UK operato Jet2 .

In February, Jet2 was also ranked among the world’s best airlines by consumer champion Which? in a UK passenger satisfaction survey.

The airline received a score of 81 per cent for “excelling” in reliability and customer support.

Southwest was considered by AirlineRatings.com to be the best budget carrier in the Americas, FlyDubai for the Middle East, AirAsia for Asia and the Jetstar Group for Australia and the Pacific.

Bo Lingam, CEO of the AirAsia Aviation Group said: “AirAsia continues to push the boundaries on what it means to be a low-cost carrier because low cost doesn’t mean low service for our airlines.

“As travel demand recovers to pre-pandemic levels, we have over 400 new specification aircraft on order to fuel our ambitious growth plans including flying to places we have never flown before, providing our guests with more value and choice, not only to and from Asia but across the world.”

AirlineRatings.com also judged the best-performing premium airlines of 2024. Korean Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air New Zealand and Emirates ranked in the top 10, with Qatar Airlines hailed as ‘airline of the year’.

“In our objective analysis, Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top ten.

“The passenger reviews, however, scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airlines and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback,” said AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas.

Top 25 low-cost airlines (in alphabetical order):

• AirAsia Group
• Air Canada Rouge
• Cebu Pacific
• Jetstar Group

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

The best (and worst) budget airlines in the UK

T hey’re the airlines we love to hate, whisking passengers to Europe and beyond for miniscule fares with incredible regularity – in theory, at least. But the reality of “budget” airlines , as all-too many of us know, can be fraught with hidden fees, confusing baggage allowances and copious delays.

However, not all budget airlines are created equal. In a bid to find the best low-cost carrier, we’ve compared Wizz Air, Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair on all of the key credentials. There is a clear winner – and loser – but do you agree? Have your say in the poll and comments below. 

Explore the categories

Best for routes and connections, best prices for summer 2024, best for seat comfort, best for punctuality, best for hand baggage allowance, best for fines and fees, best for priority boarding, best rated on trustpilot , best rated by the telegraph readers, the verdict.

By passenger numbers, Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline group: it carried 182 million people in 2023. This summer, it will have a fleet of 600 aircraft – by far the biggest of our survey, serving more than 250 airports across 40 countries.

Ryanair is also the best-connected of the bunch. It flies from 22 UK airports, including lesser-served ones such as Newquay and Teesside, so we’re rating it top for UK range. Its routes include rarer low-cost destinations too, such as Jordan, Montenegro and Morocco . 

Currently operating from 18 UK airports, easyJet serves 155 airports across 36 countries. It is Europe’s second largest airline by passenger numbers (pipped by Ryanair), with a large fleet of 336 planes.

In March, easyJet opened a new three-aircraft base in Birmingham – joining the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh . For connectivity, it comes second place to Ryanair.

In third place is Wizz Air, which serves 95 routes to and from the UK, to more than 30 countries – including cities in North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. 

There are 207 aircraft in the Wizz Air fleet, and it has hubs at London Luton and Gatwick. It flies from a further six UK airports: Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Leeds and Liverpool, so has a fair regional coverage.

For routes and connectivity, Jet2 ranks fourth. It flies to over 65 European destinations from 11 UK airports, with a new base at Liverpool opening in March. Other hubs include Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Stansted.

It operates 119 aircraft, and is the UK’s third largest scheduled airline; notable destinations include Norway , Morocco, Cyprus and Iceland . 

The winner: Ryanair

The loser: Wizz Air has a higher number of destinations than Jet2 – but the latter scoops Wizz on its choice of UK airports. It’s a tie.

Let’s say you want to fly from London to Malaga this summer, 13 to 21 July – hand luggage only , on the lowest-cost tariffs. Which airline has the cheapest return fares? 

The price per adult offered by Ryanair currently starts from £127.90 (departing Stansted, though you’ll need to leave Malaga at 5.55am); with easyJet it is £133.98 (from Gatwick, arriving in Malaga just after midnight). 

Wizz Air’s fares start from £219.98 (leaving Gatwick at 5.55am); Jet2’s start from £231 (departing Stansted at 9am). 

Prices were sourced directly from the airlines on April 18, 2024, and are inclusive of booking fees.

The winner: Ryanair, for a superb £127.90 per adult fare, return.

The loser: Jet2. However, this was the airline with the most “decent” flight timings for its cheapest tickets: departs Stansted at 9am, and departs Malaga at 8.25pm.

When it comes to seat width (which the industry generally measures in inches), our four airlines are pretty much equal. On Wizz’s Airbus A320 and easyJet’s Airbus A321neo, the seats are 18in wide. Opt for Jet2’s Boeing 737-300 or Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800, and you’ll miss out on an inch: their seat width is 17in.

But when it comes to seat pitch, there’s a clear winner. This is the distance between any point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front – so is a good measure of not only leg room, but “headspace” and perception of roominess in the cabin. According to Seat Guru, and verified by the airlines, Wizz’s seat pitch is 28in, easyJet’s 29in, Ryanair’s 30in, and Jet2’s 31in. 

The winner: Jet2

The loser: Wizz Air

If you boarded a flight anywhere last summer, chances are it was delayed or cancelled . Airport strikes, wildfires, air traffic meltdowns: which airline fared best against the odds?

The aviation analysts at OAG provided Telegraph Travel with data across more than half a million flights from June 1 to September 3, covering airlines departing from 48 UK airports. 

Ryanair operated 91,897 flights, of which 31.8 per cent arrived or departed on time. For easyJet, 44.7 per cent of its 111,551 flights were on schedule, while 57.7 per cent of Jet2’s 38,986 services ran as planned. 

The data from OAG suggested that Wizz Air managed to depart or arrive on time on just 7.8 per cent of its services. The airline contested the figure, insisting that “almost half” of departures and “almost 40 per cent” of arrivals were on time. It added: “The majority of delays were due to issues outside of Wizz Air’s control, such as the recent air traffic control fault, meaning these statistics are not an accurate representation of our overall performance.”

The loser: According to OAG, Wizz Air experienced the most disruption – though this figure was disputed by the airline – therefore it’s a tie between Wizz Air and Ryanair.

We compared the size and weight limits for free hand baggage, on a standard ticket. 

Jet2: 56 x 45 x 25cm (total volume 63,000cm3); maximum 10kg.

easyJet: 45 x 36 x 20cm (total volume 32,400cm3), “which needs to fit in our baggage gauge and under the seat in front of you”. Maximum 15kg.

Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20cm (total volume 24,000cm3), and “must be placed at the feet of the passenger under the seat in front of them”. Maximum 10kg.

Ryanair: 40 x 20 x 25cm (total volume 20,000cm3); no weight limit is listed.

The winner: easyJet’s 15kg limit is the most generous weight – but for size, Jet2 is the best. Its volume allowance is more than three times the size offered by Ryanair.

The loser: Ryanair

Best for checked-in luggage

When you pay to bring a suitcase, the fee structure varies wildly. For ease of comparison, the following covers luggage weighing 20kg or more, booked at the same time as your flight. 

With Ryanair, a 20kg bag costs £18.99 to £59.99, according to your route and travel dates – the lowest weight allowance of our four airlines. Excess baggage ranges from £9 to £11 per kilo, the cheapest fee in this comparison.

Jet2’s baggage add-on covers bags up to 22kg: costs vary, and it doesn’t quote a ballpark fee online if you don’t have a booking. According to mybaggage.com, the average cost is £21 each way. Excess weight is £12 per kilo.

Wizz charges between £8.25 and £87.11 for a 20kg bag, in peak season, with an excess fee of £12 per kilo. On easyJet, 23kg of hold luggage costs from £9.49 per item; excess weight is £12 per kilo.

The winner:  The varying prices make it hard to compare fees, but easyJet’s baggage allowance is the most generous, at 23kg.

The loser: It’s a tie: Ryanair and Wizz Air offer 20kg each. The latter’s upper threshold is the most costly, though Jet2 isn’t transparent about its fees unless you have a booking with them.

To change a name on a booking, Ryanair charges £115 per flight. To change your flights costs £45, plus any additional fare. To check in at the airport rather than on the app, Ryanair charges £30 or £55 if flying from Spain. Boarding pass reissue is £20.

Name changes with Jet2 cost £35; flight changes are £35, plus any additional fare. No charge for airport check-in or boarding pass print-out.

With easyJet, name changes cost £55; flight changes are £25 if more than 60 days before travel, or £49 if within 60 days, plus any additional fare. There is no charge for airport check-in or boarding pass print-out. 

Name changes with Wizz cost £55; flight changes cost £36.50 to £46, plus any additional fare. If you want to check in at the airport, you can pre-book online for £11.50 per flight; airport check-in without pre-booking costs £35.50.

Be warned: in many instances, the above fees are higher if arranged via a customer services agent, rather than online. 

Jet2 is the only airline not to offer speedy boarding as an optional add-on. But if you want to board first (or at least be in the queue to board first), Ryanair’s priority access costs from £6 to £36, and includes two cabin bags.

Wizz’s package costs up to €58.80 (£50.62) when booked in advance, and includes priority boarding and check-in, plus a carry-on wheelie. To get “Speedy Boarding” on easyJet, you’ll need an easyJet Plus card (£215 annually), pay for a Standard Plus or Flexi fare, or add a large cabin bag to your booking – priced “from £5.99”.

The winner: There really isn’t much between easyJet and Ryanair

The loser: Jet2, for not offering the option

On customer review website Trustpilot, Jet2 is by far the best-rated of the airlines – scoring an overall 4.5 (“Excellent”) out of a possible five. It has five-star reviews from 72 per cent of reviewers; four stars from 14 per cent; and one star from 7 per cent. 

“Pleasant and attentive cabin crew,” reads one verified Jet2 customer review. “Friendly and informative captain. Took off an hour late but we made up 25 minutes. Excellent.”

It’s a different story for the rest of the pack. Ryanair and easyJet both score 1.4 stars overall, and Wizz Air 1.3 stars (out of five). A total of 89 per cent of Wizz customers awarded it just one star.

“Robbery,” states a reviewer of one of the airlines. “I don’t understand why people still buy ticket[s] from that airline… [it] should not be allowed to operate in our society.”

The loser: Wizz

In last year’s Telegraph Travel Awards, Jet2 was voted “best short-haul airline” – scooping the top spot for the second consecutive time. Almost 30,000 readers voted in the awards, widely praising Jet2 for its clear contact with passengers, and giving refunds without fuss . 

Further down the table, easyJet took 10th place, Ryanair 22nd and Wizz Air came 23rd – the very last place. Wizz faced criticism from Telegraph readers for its slow refunds, last-minute cancellations and poor customer service .

Bravo to Jet2, which is rated consistently high for customer satisfaction, baggage allowance and comfort – while offering the lowest fees and fines among its peers. Our study suggests it doesn’t come cheap, though: in our fare comparison, it was the most expensive by £103.10.

At the other end of the spectrum, the wooden spoon goes to Wizz. It tallies three individual “loser” titles and three shared ones, and no “wins” to its name – thanks to hefty delays, terrible reviews, reportedly poor service and measly bag allowance.

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “We do not consider these findings to be representative and the results are most certainly not what we are hearing from our customer surveys.

“Our most recent customer data shows Wizz Air’s brand consideration to be higher than our main UK competitor. We also perform better in customer service, refunds, ease of booking and information provided to customers.

“We are proud to have offered more than 90 million customers affordable airfares, getting them from A to B for the lowest price possible.

“Regarding costs, ticket prices and optional extras are clearly outlined on our website and app. We are an ultra-low-cost carrier and to keep our fares low, we offer optional add-ons at an additional charge, such as checked luggage or preferential seating. Unbundling products means that customers only pay for what they need and we can offer the most affordable and exciting travel opportunities.

“In terms of performance, 2023 was one of our strongest summers to date. We completed more than 99.36 per cent of our flights and saw a 67.4 per cent reduction in the number of cancellations. In the last fiscal year, our on-time performance was better than all but one of our major competitors.”

This story was first published in December 2023 and has been revised and updated.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The foods you should (and shouldn’t) eat on a long-haul flight

Share this with

The last thing you want when travelling is to feel dehydrated or have an upset stomach, which is why a nutritionist has revealed the surprising food and drink you should eat and the ones you should consider avoiding.

Flying can cause a host of issues, from dry skin to popping ears and bloating . The latter is a common problem for a number of plane passengers, causing discomfort for some but also nausea and stomach pain for others.

But thankfully it can be mitigated with a few alterations before and during your journey, letting you focus on your city break or beach getaway, instead of what’s going on in your digestive system. Ellie Birch, senior nutritionist at Holland & Barrett, told Condé Nast Traveller that there is ‘no evidence’ that we should eat differently when flying.

However, there are some small tweaks to our eating habits we can do to help our digestive system, such as increasing how much water we intake to counteract the lack of humidity on planes.

Avoid consuming food and drinks that are considered dehydrating as well, such as alcohol.

That said, there is one cocktail (and quite a rogue choice) that passengers could opt for to make themselves feel less dehydrated compared to other alcoholic beverages.

Stephanie Smith, a women’s health nutritionist for Agora Health, said: ‘If you do want to drink alcohol, opt for something like a single Bloody Mary – tomato juice is a source of electrolytes as well as being antioxidant rich.’ 

Ryanair launches £8 cocktail menu

Travellers love Ryanair because of the low prices and the tempting destinations on offer. And now holidaymakers can boost their in-flight experience by having a tipple or two from the airline’s official cocktail menu .

The Irish budget brand has launched ‘ready to drink’ cocktails which do sound delish.

Unfortunately, there are no Bloody Mary cocktails. But here are the ones you can get:

• Dublin Lemonade (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Sprite Zero and sparkling water)
• Fruit Snack, (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Sprite Zero and Capri-sun)
• Rose Spritz (rose wine and Sprite Zero)
• Flying Iced Tea (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Absolut Vodka and Coca-Cola).

Stay away from coffee, and other caffeinated drinks – especially if you’re a nervous flyer. The stimulant affects the nervous system and increases the production of hormones like adrenaline.

Instead, Stephanie suggests having a hot cacao, a herbal tea, a matcha latte made with almond milk or a decaf version of your favourite drink. 

Salty food, because of salt’s link to exacerbating dehydration, headaches and fatigue, are also on the list of things to avoid, including ultra-processed food because of the high salt content. Instead, snack on fruit, nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate. 

Ashleigh Tosh, health and nutrition expert from Prepped Pots , previously shared with Metro.co.uk tips about how to avoid feeling bloated on planes . She said to avoid foods that generally cause you to feel bloated, fizzy drinks, chewing gum and heavy meals. 

The expert also suggested choosing an aisle seat, as it’ll be a lot easier to get up and have a short walk if you’re feeling uncomfortable. 

Teas like peppermint, ginger and chamomile are all known for reducing bloating, and Ashleigh says the reason why chewing gum is a no-no is because it can cause you to swallow excess air. 

Additionally, it may be worth trying chocolate has been found to reduce the impact of jet lag and make you feel less groggy.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: May 30, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

Who doesn’t want another excuse to eat chocolate!

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : This ‘pretty’ and ‘safe’ city has been named one of the UK’s best — and it’s just miles from Stonehenge

MORE : Prepare to feel smug — this is the world’s cleverest city

MORE : People are just noticing this ‘woke’ change to plastic water bottles

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

Mixed-race, dark hair in a ponytail, light-blue denim type jacket, white…

To the pretty lady in yoga pants, a T-shirt, sneakers and shades, pulling…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

Money blog: The 'least bad' popular sweets - and the ones that 'can wreak havoc on your health'

An expert gives his analysis on the "least bad" popular sweets on the market - while warning over those with the highest sugar content. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Friday 31 May 2024 11:15, UK

• New house price figures hint at shift in market
• First-time buyers urged to consider building societies over banks
• Leon rivals Pret with new coffee subscription deal

Essential reads

• The popular sweets that are the 'least bad' for you
• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - the schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Netflix subscribers are being urged to be wary of suspicious emails or texts claiming to be from the streaming giant.

Customers have reported being contacted by scammers claiming to be Netflix, asking for payments or stating there are problems with their account. 

Under no circumstances should links be clicked on in any suspicious-looking messages, consumers have been warned. 

Recent figures cited by Birmingham Live showed victims of scams lost £1,730 on average, with around half saying they were left feeling angry with themselves or "stupid".

Netflix issued a message to millions of its customers: "If you get an email or text message (SMS) asking for your Netflix account email, phone, password, or payment method it probably didn't come from Netflix.

"We'll never ask for payment through a third party vendor or website. 

"If the text or email links to a URL that you don't recognise, don't tap or click it. If you did already, do not enter any information on the website that opened.

"Scammers can't get information from you unless you give it to them. So don't click any links in the messages or reply to them."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

JD Sports is one of the big losers on the stock market this morning after its shares plunged more than 12% in early UK trading.

It comes after the sportswear retailer released its results for the year to January on Friday - and revealed it had suffered an 8% drop in pre-tax profits.

Revenues also dropped by 8.3% to £3.51bn over the 12 months - but its organic sales grew by 9%.

Despite the figures, the chain's chief executive Regis Schultz hailed the company's "strong" performance in what he described as a "challenging market".

In other markets news, the government has sold £1.24bn of its shares in NatWest.

The Treasury's stake in the high street staple has fallen by around 3.5 percentage points to 22.5% as a result of the move.

The bank received several multibillion-pound bailouts during the 2008/09 financial crisis and is being gradually returned to private ownership.

However, a public share sale planned for this summer has been postponed because of the upcoming general election - as Sky News revealed last week.

Overall, there's little change on the FTSE 100 this Friday morning.

It's down 0.3% as investors await inflation news in the US and Europe which could impact on potential interest rate cuts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17 - similar to yesterday's rates.

The latest UK house price data from a leading index has been released this morning - which hints at a potential shift in the market.

Nationwide Building Society said the average UK house price rose slightly in May, bucking two months of falls amid signs of market "resilience".

UK property prices rose 0.4% month-on-month, following a similar sized fall of 0.4% in April, it said. 

The increase leaves the average house price at £264,249 - with the annual rate of growth more than doubled to 1.3% in May, from 0.6% in April.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said: "The market appears to be showing signs of resilience in the face of ongoing affordability pressures following the rise in longer term interest rates in recent months.

"Consumer confidence has improved noticeably over the last few months, supported by solid wage gains and lower inflation."

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with the help of industry experts. This week the guys at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk are helping us focus on first-time buyers - and why building societies may provide the best option for them.

First, the broader mortgage market. Moneyfacts finance expert finance expert Rachel Springall said: "It has been a relatively quiet week for fixed-rate mortgage re-pricing, but there have been a couple of building societies tweaking rates as well as withdrawing selected deals. This includes a sub 5% five-year fixed rate mortgage from Saffron Building Society at 90% loan-to-value.

"Week on week, the overall average two-year fixed rate remained unchanged 5.92% but the five-year rate rose to 5.49%."

Honing in on first-time buyers, and Moneyfacts has issued advice that building societies can often be the best option for those starting out.

Rachel said: "First-time buyers comparing mortgages will find building societies on average price lower than the market averages (90% and 95% loan-to-value, for two- and five-year fixed mortgages)."

The big-seven bank (Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, RBS and Santander) average is actually lower, Moneyfacts says - but "the lowest rate deals might not be the best on a true cost basis". 

"Mutuals have pioneered innovative products and initiatives for buyers, such as the Track Record mortgage from Skipton Building Society, the £5,000 deposit mortgage from Yorkshire Building Society and the partnership between Leeds Building Society and Experian to potentially help consumers to boost their credit score," Rachel says. 

"In addition, Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage gives first-time buyers the option of borrowing a higher loan amount.

"Saving money on the upfront cost of a mortgage is incredibly important for first-time buyers who may have exhausted their cash on a deposit, legal fees and moving costs. Any borrower looking to get their foot on the property ladder would be wise to seek independent advice to ensure they find the right deal for them."

This week's lowest rates for first-time buyers are...

This week's Moneyfacts has the Best Buys - which look at the overall cost of the mortgage, not just the rate - as... 

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tonic Health (@tonichealth)

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at sweets. 

"We all love a treat now and then, but making small changes in our choices can lead to big benefits without having to give up entirely," Sunna says.  

The sugar hit

"It is important to put it into context just how impactful a bag of sweets can be," Sunna says. 

The NHS daily recommendation for sugar intake is 30g a day for adults, 24g a day for seven to 10-year-olds and 19g a day for four to six-year-olds. 

A typical bag 100g bag of sweets can contain anywhere from 40-70g of sugar - more than double your daily intake.

It's safe to say Sunna is not a fan of one of the nation's favourite brands, pointing to their 74% sugar content. 

"To put that into perspective, that's almost three-quarters of each Skittle being pure sugar, or 25 teaspoons in one 136g bag," he says.

That's three times the daily recommended intake according to the NHS. 

"While they're undeniably tasty, this sugar content can wreak havoc on your health and they are also coloured with a multitude of artificial colours."

Sky News approached Skittles' parent company Mars Inc. for comment but did not receive a reply. 

"While none are healthy, there is an opportunity to cut your sugar intake in dramatically within the Haribo range," Sunna explains. 

Here's the sugar breakdown:

• Supermix - 55% sugar content
• Tangfastics - 50% sugar content
• Starmix - 47% sugar content
• Fruitilicious - 34% sugar content
• Zingfest - 32% sugar content (and Sunna's new favourite)

The difference becomes clear when you break that down into teaspoons of sugar. 

"Supermix has 24 teaspoons of sugar in a 175g share bag while Zingfest has only 12 in a 150g share bag," Sunna says. 

"That's a 50% reduction in your sugar content, albeit it on a slightly smaller bag size, but portion control is important because nobody is putting an open bag back in the cupboard."

A sweet alternative

Sunna recommends Rowntree's Berry Hearts if you're looking for something to try. 

"These little heart-shaped gummies do my favourite thing - remove all the yellows and oranges in favour of a bag full of reds and purples - but also only contain 35% sugar.

"That's less than half the sugar content of Skittles - and they use black carrot, carrot and hibiscus as colours in place of artificial sweeteners."

A bag of Skittles every week would lead to more than 5.2kg of sugar a year. 

"Swapping to Berry Hearts would be 2.1kg a year - a saving of over 3kg of sugar. That's a massive reduction," Sunna says. 

This shows that, even when indulging in sweets, picking ones with lower sugar content can make a big difference. 

"Reducing sugar not only helps with weight management but also lowers the risk of chronic diseases and improves overall well-being."

The nutritionist's view - from  Nichola Ludlam-Raine, d ietitian at  nicsnutrition.com ...

"Sweets and candy are undeniably a treat that many of us enjoy, but it's important to be mindful of their sugar content, especially with the significant variations between different types, in addition to the portion size and frequency in which we are consuming them. 

"Grab bags and share bags can lead us to eating more, and may distort what is a healthy portion size. 

"In addition, most of us would look on in horror if we actually saw the amount of sugar that was being added to these sweet treats.

"Choosing options with a lower sugar content, like Rowntree's Berry Hearts, can help satisfy a sweet tooth while helping us to keep below the daily free-sugar limits (free-sugar includes added sugar, and the sugar naturally occurring in honey and fruit juice too), but we mustn't be misled by these 'health halos' either - sugar is sugar, and it can easily add up if it's consumed too regularly throughout the day.

"Reducing our free-sugar intake should be a goal for many of us, and is crucial not just for weight management but for overall health, including reducing the risk of dental caries (although sugary drinks tend to take the biscuit here). 

"Remember, making small, smarter choices can lead to substantial health benefits over time. 

"Enjoy your treats, but have them in moderation (ie, not on a daily basis), choose wisely and try not to graze on sugary sweets throughout the day as your teeth won't thank you."

Read more from this series... 

UK house prices could rise slightly this year and outpace inflation over the next two years, according to a poll.

Housing market specialists surveyed by Reuters predict a 1.8% overall increase in prices for 2024, with wage growth expected to outstrip this.

A predicted drop in mortgage rates will also improve affordability for first-time buyers, they said.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at estate agency Hamptons , said: "Stable house prices combined with real income growth should aid affordability this year."

Following a more modest rise this year, prices will grow by 3.1% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, according to the poll carried over four weeks in May.

Specialist forecasts for 2024 ranged from a 4% drop to a 4% increase.

But despite the predicted rise, a lack of supply could prove a hurdle for househunters - especially those getting on the ladder for the first time.

Seventeen specialists polled said supply was likely to fall short of demand in the coming two to three years. 

"Construction is throttled by a lack of positive sentiment among developers. They will only build again when there are sure signs of market and political stability," said property consultant Russell Quirk .

A separate Reuters poll found that the Bank of England's base rate, which has been at 5.25% since August 2023, could drop to 4.5% by the end of the year and 3.5% by the end of 2025 - still far above the record low 0.1% during the pandemic.

Leon has launched its own coffee subscription scheme in a move to rival fellow high street brand Pret A Manger.

The fast food chain's £25-a-month "Roast Rewards" deal offers five barista-made drinks per day as well as 20% off the breakfast and all-day food menu.

It undercuts Pret's £30 a month offer, which also allows for up to five drinks a day and 20% off food. 

Customers will also be given bonus "loyalty points" when they subscribe and each time they renew. The scheme launches on 30 May through the Leon Club App.

Leon managing director Mac Plumpton said the company was "so excited to unveil the UK's most affordable coffee subscription".

Pret increased the price of its "Club Pret" subscription service by 20% to £30 a month in 2023, citing increased costs.

Energy prices are expected to rise again in the autumn and last week's announcement of a cut in the cap from July should not be taken as a "sign of stability", the head of the Energy Saving Trust has said.

"Confirmation that energy prices are coming down for the next quarter is very welcome," Mike Thornton said.

"However, no one should take this lower price cap as a sign of stability."

He added: "Forecasts show that energy prices are set to rise again this autumn and will be staying high overall for the next decade."

He urged the next UK government - to be decided in the general election on 4 July - to focus on policies that "support people to use less energy and install cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in their homes".

The cap will fall to £1,568 a year from 1 July - a drop of £122 from the previous quarter. 

McDonald's customers have taken to social media to complain about a "naughty" detail in one of its new deals. 

The fast food giant started a new mix and match deal this week - which allows shoppers to pick up three items for just £3 in store.

However, those ordering online have found the price increase to £4 for the same deal. 

Writing in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, one user shared a screenshot of her My McDoanld's app, writing: "It's gone from 3 for £3 to 3 for £4. Which is odd, or is that cause it's on the app."

Another branded the price difference "naughty". 

McDonald’s has since confirmed that this price is correct on app.

The increase is due to delivery fees charged by couriers like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat - and is fairly standard across the industry. 

Sony Music is reportedly in talks to purchase the entirety of rock band Queen's music catalogue in a deal mooted to be worth some $1bn (around £800m). 

Bloomberg reports  the company has partnered with another anonymous investor to engage Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and the estate of Freddie Mercury over a sale that would be the largest of its kind.

Queen Productions Ltd, of which the bandmates and Mercury's estate are equal shareholders, recorded revenues of $52m in the year that ended in September 2022. 

This comes after the catalogue of Bruce Springsteen was acquired by Sony in 2021, while rival Warner Music bought David Bowie's songbook for around $250m in 2022, as industry giants battle to invest in songwriting catalogues. 

They are seen by many as attractive investments as the music can be used in future films, advertisements and on the radio - which all produce royalties for the rights owners. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, ft professional, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• FT App on Android & iOS
• FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
• 20+ curated newsletters
• Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
• FT Videos & Podcasts
• 20 monthly gift articles to share
• Lex: FT's flagship investment column
• 15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
• FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
• Weekday Print Edition
• Videos & Podcasts
• Premium newsletters
• 10 additional gift articles per month
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• 10 monthly gift articles to share
• Everything in Print
• Make and share highlights
• FT Workspace
• Markets data widget
• Subscription Manager
• Workflow integrations
• Occasional readers go free
• Volume discount

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition