This UK is a perfect destination for all types of travellers - solo backpackers, couples and families and although cities like London are quite expensive, it is possible to get around cheaply and find things to do for for all budgets.
You could visit an individual country - Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England or explore all on an epic trip. Expect modern cities, different landscapes, including peaceful countryside and beautiful beaches - yes beautiful beaches!
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom can be overwhelming and also this isn't the cheapest destination to visit in Europe but with some research and our useful tips you will be able to get the most of your UK trip without breaking the bank.
Start planning an amazing trip in the UK on the cheap with our recommendations below.
1. Research Research Research
Before you start book your UK trip, it is wise to find out the best ways to get to there, things to do and what you will need to get prepared. You can check online or with a travel agent who will be able to help you with key things like if you need a passport or visa to enter the UK.
You may also want to find out other practical information such as where the best currency exchange rates are to be found and where you can exchange money once in the UK. This will ensure you do not run into any hiccups while on your trip and it also ensures you stay as close as you can to your budget.
2. Getting to the UK
Make sure you book your trip to the UK as far in advance as possible so you get the best deals on transport. For flights, several low cost airlines fly to UK cities including Easyjet and Ryanair with connections to most major European destinations.
For flights be sure to use a comparison site like Skyscanner where you can search and compare all airlines and fares. Other ways to reach the UK are via bus, train via the Eurotunnel or by ferry. Travelling by bus is usually the cheapest way to travel from mainland Europe although journeys can be long.
3. Make a Daily Budget
Work out how much money you have and what you would like to spend on a daily basis. This will help you to stick to a budget and not spend too much.
4. Pick Cheap Times of Year to Visit
When you choose to take your UK trip will affect the cost, as well as the kind of activities you will get to enjoy.
There are two significant seasons in the UK namely, summer and winter, both are recommended for different reasons.
Summer, from May to mid-September is considered high season and so you will find that most prices for activities and accommodation are the most expensive during this period.
Highlights of visiting the UK during summer can include enjoying the Edinburgh festival, exploring lush English gardens or doing lots of outdoor activities which are available throughout summer.
In winter, prices are generally lower apart from over Christmas and New Year. This season will appeal to anyone who enjoys indoor activities as you will generally experience bad weather.
Spring and Autumn generally have cheaper prices for hotels.
5. Choose Where to Go
There are so many special and amazing destinations in the UK. For music head to Liverpool for the Beatles museum and tours. For beaches, consider Brighton or Bournemouth. For history, London, Edinburgh and Stratford Upon Avon are recommended. If you love cities, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham and Cambridge are highlights.
Where you go will depend on how much time you have, your budget and mode of transport. If you really want to see Scotland, it is recommended to fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow, as it will be easier and cheaper to get around.
6. Avoid Spending Too Much Time in London
If you've never been to London before you really need to visit, this is an iconic and world famous city with amazing tourist attractions like Soho, Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and more.
London is one of the cheapest cities to fly into but you will find that accommodation, transport and sightseeing is very high for tourism. If you are travelling on a tight budget, it is advisable to not spend too much time in London and instead look for alternative towns and cities.
Hotels in London are among the highest priced in the world, expect £100+ for a basis hotel room throughout the year, whilst some of the most lavish hotels charge £500+ per night. Even beds in hoste dorm rooms are pricey, expect to pay around £35+ per night.
There are lots of ways to get around London on the cheap, including walking if staying centrally or using the bus.
If you are planning to include the English capital in your itinerary this article how to visit London on the cheap will help.
7. Accommodation
To get the best place to stay during your visit, you should consider the destination and type of place you are looking to stay. There are lots of options to choose from including, English bed and breakfasts, hotels, hostels, Airbnb, caravans, boats and more.
You can find ways to save money by checking accommodation comparison websites, booking in advance or by booking your accommodation as a group. Rentola United Kingdom is a great website to check out with thousands of rental properties available to book throughout the UK.
Summer and Christmas are generally the most expensive times of the year. Prices for places to stay in London are generally higher than the rest of the country.
8. Getting Around
You will need to work out where you want to visit and how you want to travel around the UK, you could hire a car or go by bus or train.
Train fares in the UK are very high but there is a reliable bus service through the Megabus which connects the whole country and the prices are very cheap especially if you book more than a week in advance.
You might also want to search UK tours which generally include accommodation - there are some great deals to be found.
9. Food and Drink
To save money you might also want to consider limiting the amound you eat out and instead make food yourself by shopping at local supermarkets. This will save you a lot of money if you consider lunch/dinners out will generally set you back around £10 per meal unless eating at fast food outlets.
Also alcohol in UK pubs is very expensive, expect to pay around £5/£6 for a pint of beer! Although boring, you can avoid these high costs by. just drinking water.
10. Special Offers
You can usually find tons of deals and special offers from everything - hotels, sightseeing, eating out and entertainment. Search online.
With these simple tips you should be able to experience the best of the UK on the cheap. Britain really is an amazing and historic destination and you will be sure to have an amazing time discovering the country for yourself. Have a safe trip!
