Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the UK
Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the UK
Travelling the UK on a budget has a lot of appeal. There’s a lot to do and see across the four countries making up the United Kingdom. However, getting around the UK is often seen as one of the more expensive places to go. Luckily, there are many ways you can save money when it comes to exploring the UK as a major destination. And this is the case particularly if you decide to take on a weekend getaway.
With some smart investigating and knowing how to save money, you can head to free attractions, access affordable dining options and even go during cheaper travel seasons. If the latter is something you’re interested in, then spring and autumn are particularly great for budget travellers as the weather is mild (though there is typically some rain), and prices are far lower than if you were to travel during the school holidays. Utilising off-peak travel options means saving on accommodation as well as transport costs, meaning you’ll have a little leftover to splash out on a fun excursion or go to a fancy restaurant one evening.
If all this appeals, then there are immediately some destinations you can look at for your travel. Countryside escapes such as the Lake District or the Cotswolds are ideal in spring. For a cultural experience, then Bath or York in autumn, when there are fewer crowds will give you a better time.
Smart Travel & Accommodation Choices
As mentioned, there are various smart travel choices you can make to help you stretch the budget a little bit further for your trip. Better yet, these choices do not impact your comfort or the overall convenience of a trip. Let’s take a look.
For one, you can opt for coach travel. In the UK, these options include National Express and Megabus. Both offer cheaper transport alternatives than trains or cars. And, as they link major cities throughout the country, they are often a solid option for long-distance trips.
Of course, trains are considered somewhat more comfortable, but with a higher price point, it’s essential you use a railcard to get the best discounts. You should also consider off-peak train tickets and book in advance to ensure better rates and avoid the price hike that comes when booking the day of.
If there are a group of you, then you may find that hiring a car is the best option. It’s especially handy if you’re heading out to the more rural areas. At an average of £43 per day, and low-end prices at £16, it’s a very solid option to take a look at and gives you more freedom in your destination. Park & Ride options or other city-edge parking means that you’ll save on urban travel too.
Following this, there’s the accommodation to think of. Budget hotel chains like Travelodge or Premier Inn can host larger parties and are reliable options. Guesthouses or Bed and Breakfasts offer a more quaint, personalised experience. While hostels, including YHA properties, mean great value for families or couples.
Hotels or accommodation like Premier Inn also typically offer discount codes or special offers that can be applied on their official website. Checking these offers means you can often get a great stay at a much reduced cost. Deals like the Premier Inn promo codes available on Discoup are particularly great during shoulder seasons, or when booked in advance. These discounts are typically not restrictive, and can be applied to a large selection of properties across the UK, which means they are great for flexible travel.
Practical Tips & Final Advice
For a weekend trip, there are various ways you can save money. If you’re looking to get some sight-seeing in, then it’s a good idea to research the free attractions in the area. Usually these include public parks, national museums, cathedrals, or walking trails.
When it comes to eating, dining on a budget is key. Takeaway fish and chips at coastal places is a cheap option, or local supermarket meal deals for lunches. You can also opt for flats or Airbnb that have self-catering options in place. With kitchen facilities, you can stock up on food from local supermarkets such as Lidl or Aldi without overspending.
As mentioned, for getting about, book off-peak travel, buy your tickets early, and avoid using taxis. With this in mind, choose your airport carefully if you’re flying with Gatwick and Luton typically offering cheaper flights. Explore all the travel options to combine comfort, adventure and value into one convenient package.
