“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went”
- Dave Ramsey (American radio personality and author)
Are you planning a trip to the UK but worrying about spending a lot of money?
Do not stress, as you have landed in the right place that will let you grasp some great bits of advice!
Many people think that it is expensive to travel in the UK, but in reality, there are a lot of ways to have fun without spending too much.
In this article, I will help you budget yourself in such a way that you can enjoy everything this land has to offer from several free museums out there to affordable restaurants.
Ready to explore? Let’s get started!
1. Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers
Traveling in the summer can break your wallet, so I’m suggesting a couple of months in which you can carry on your exploration on a budget.
Spring (March-May):
A perfect traveling period for those who don’t want to miss out on the dazzling view of blooming gardens and pleasant weather and prefer little crowds.
Autumn (September-November):
A great time to view changing fall foliage has moderate temperatures and is slightly less crowded than in summer.
Winter (December-February):
Oh, it’s wintertime; the UK will probably be cold and dark at this period of time, but it is definitely an excellent time for visitors fond of festive markets and potentially lower prices.
2. Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
Some hotels and hostels are affordable for couples as well as families, where they can spend time together and explore the culture of the UK.
Also, don’t miss out on learning new things, trying new food, and interacting with different people following diverse cultures.
1. Astor York Hostel
Located in New York, UK
This hotel assures its customers to have peace, satisfaction, and a remarkable experience.
Here, you get a good breakfast, smoke-free rooms, a bar where you can do parties, BBQ facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
It is rated 8.3 publicly, and it is just 10 min away from the New York station, so don’t worry about handling your baggage for so long.
2. YHA York
Located in Clifton, UK
This features a charming Victorian mansion with extensive gardens and a games room with a pool table, books, and board games.
If you relish homemade food, this property facilitates a self-catering kitchen and also has laundry for the guests and luggage.
It is mostly liked by couples, and most of them have even rated it 8.3 for two; you can think of this place if you are planning to visit the UK with someone special.
3. Vas’ York House
Located in New York, UK
Vas’ House is close to the Minster and the railway station and offers living space with quiet street views.
Many of the visiting spots near it are within the range of 35-50 km, e.g., Harrogate International Centre and Royal Hall Theatre.
These both are 35 km away from the homestay, and Leeds Bradford International Airport is 50 km from the property.
4. Brentwood Guest House
Located in Clifton, UK
Brentwood guest house is maintained by the family and is also very close to New York’s City center.
It provides a perfect base to explore New York, and the rooms are gracefully decorated with comfortable beds and access to a hairdryer, T.V., and tea/coffee maker in all rooms.
However, if you are planning to reach or backtrack by station, the site is accessible by foot.
5. Pine Lodge Hotel
Located in Blackpool Center, UK
The next on the list is Pine Lodge Hotel, which offers family rooms with Wi-Fi and other amenities.
This is well-known for its reputable attractions, including;
- Coral Island, which is 300 meters away,
- the Blackpool Winter Garden Theater, which is 600 meters away,
- and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which is 101 kilometers away.
And if you have a bundle of time, then you must also not miss out on visiting Blackpool Central, South, and North Beaches.
3. Getting Around on a Budget
To get around the UK on a budget, it is advisable to prioritize using public transportation like trains and buses, especially by utilizing ferry passes.
Eating local and cheaper food, visiting during peak-off seasons, and planning your routes so you can’t spend impulsively.
Many travelers prefer UK tour packages so that they can pay for their accommodation and travel together at a discounted rate.
You will save more when you use public transport, relying on buses, trains, and cheap transit systems.
Hence, as budget is the main aim, you can choose a hostel over a private room as it is much more affordable.
Pro tip!If you are a student and have an ID card, you can get discounts on the real prices.
4. Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Are you looking for low-cost and free attractions? In the UK, a lot of museums, parks, and art galleries are accessible to anyone.
I am mentioning some of them below:
London
London, a polycentric city with many core districts, is most popular as the Capital of the UK.
If visiting this city is in your plan, then it would indeed be very exciting to explore this culture-rich side of the United Kingdom.
I have even come up with some museums and parks that you can visit without spending a single penny, i.e., the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, and Crystal Palace Park.
The place is home to a wealth of cultural attractions, which means you could spend your entire life here and never get off the beaten track.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the hilly capital of Scotland, consisting of a historic and modern Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.
There are so many things to do here, such as you can try free samples of cheese, sweets, and bread in Stockbridge Market.
You can explore the galleries and hills, including the Scottish National Gallery, Archivist’s Garden, Calton Hill, and the Scottish Parliament.
Manchester & Liverpool
Manchester and Liverpool are amazing cities in the UK, each with their own unique attractions.
When you visit Liverpool, you can see the World Museum, which is accessible to everyone, and you will find affordable cafés for the food freaks.
On the other hand, in Liverpool, most museums and art gallery entries are expense-free, including the Manchester Museum.
You will also delight in seeing a sprawling urban park that features walkways, canals, and hidden cafés.
Countryside & Nature
The United Kingdom is a diverse country with a lot of natural wonders, that includes the river, mountains, and valleys.
If we talk about its countryside and nature, Loch Lomond is the largest water body in Great Britain, and The Peak District is a national park with diverse habitats and lush woodlands.
Some beautiful places are The Cotswold villages in Gloucestershire, The Norfolk coast, and The Wye Valley in Herefordshire.
5. Eating on a Budget
If you are looking for options that extinguish your hunger, I want to suggest that you visit the north side of the UK, which has plenty to eat and is budget-friendlier than in the south.
There you can visit the local markets of the nation and can also enjoy the bites of street food.
Instead of going to restaurants or cafés, you can buy from supermarkets; Lidl and Aldi are both the cheapest alternatives if you want to purchase snacks.
6. Money-Saving Travel Tips
I wish I had known this before traveling to the UK, but don’t make the same mistake I did.
Here are some money-saving tips that I always think I could have used on my trip to the United Kingdom.
Tip: 1 Discount on travel tickets
Search for local airline websites that provide you with Discounts on tickets; you can see them on VisitBritain Shop.
Tip: 2 Make your Rail pass
This ticket allows you unlimited travel on rail services throughout England, Wales, and Scotland within a set period of your choice.
Tip: 3 Never miss a free entry
The best way to save money is to visit places where entry is free, like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, The Natural History Museum in London, and the South Wales Miners Museum.
Tip: 4 Using apps for discounts
For discounted activities, meals, attractions, and even hotels on handy Money-saving websites such as Lastminute.com and Groupon, carry a refillable water bottle with you.
7. Budget-Friendly Day Trips
For a hassle-free plan, search for cheap UK itineraries from various international tour packages with everything from hotels and transportation to major attractions included, so you get to see more for less.
