Traveling Uk On A Budget: Tips And Tricks

The UK is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but it is still possible to travel on a budget. The key to budget travel in the UK is to book early, be flexible, and be creative.

- Book your transport in advance. This is almost always the cheapest option.

- Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Travelling mid-week and outside of peak hours is usually cheaper.

- Compare prices across different websites and transport options. For example, travelling by coach is often cheaper than travelling by train, but it can take a lot longer.

- Look for package deals that include flights, accommodation, and other extras such as baggage allowance.

- Stay in budget hotels, hostels, or Airbnb. University rooms are also a good option during the summer months when students are away.

- Eat at budget restaurants, pubs, or supermarkets.

- Take advantage of free attractions, such as museums and art galleries.

- Get a travel card to save money on public transport.

- Walk or cycle instead of taking taxis or public transport.

- Visit during the off-season when prices are lower.

Travel off-peak and book in advance

Travelling off-peak and booking in advance is one of the best ways to save money on transport in the UK.

Trains

Booking train tickets in advance can dramatically reduce costs. Generally, the best time to book is 3-9 months before your travel date. Tickets can be booked around 12 weeks in advance, and the cheapest fares can be found on The Trainline's Fare Finder.

If you're travelling long distances, a BritRail pass is a good option. This gives you the flexibility to explore and travel by train within Britain. BritRail has several pass options, including senior citizen and student discounts, and 25% discounts during the winter.

Coaches

Coach travel is another cheap way to get around the UK. Megabus and National Express are two of the main coach companies, offering cheap fares and comfortable journeys. Tickets can be as little as £1 if you book early.

Buses

Local buses are the cheapest way to get around cities and between towns and cities within the same county. These usually cost a few pounds per journey.

Flights

While flying around the UK can be expensive, it can be useful for travelling long distances. Budget airlines like Easyjet offer domestic routes, and smaller airports can offer cheaper flights.

Other Tips

• Travel overnight on coaches to save on accommodation costs.
• If you're aged 16-25, a Railcard will save you a third on journeys.
• Trainsplit is a website that books you on the individual legs of your journey, saving you money.
• BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing website that lets you find spare seats in others' cars.
• FlixBus offers affordable coach travel all over Europe.
• If you're staying in London, get an Oyster Card to cap your daily travel costs.

Stay in hostels or self-catered accommodation

Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when travelling, but there are ways to save money. Hostels are a great budget option, and the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has hostels across England, some in extraordinary buildings, including castles! These hostels offer dormitory-style rooms for backpackers, but many also have family rooms, private rooms, camping pitches, cabins, and even glamping.

If you're travelling with a group, you can book an entire dorm or even the whole property. Hostels also usually have communal kitchen facilities, which can help you save money on food.

For those who want more privacy, Airbnb is another good option, with some great prices to match. Airbnb allows you to rent an entire home or apartment, which often works out cheaper than a hotel room, especially if you're travelling as a family or group.

Self-catered apartments are another cost-effective option, as they allow you to prepare your own meals. Cooking your own food is significantly cheaper than eating out for every meal, and you can find budget-friendly groceries at supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.

If you're staying in a city, consider booking accommodation on the outskirts, which tends to be cheaper than the city centre. Just make sure there are convenient public transport options to get you into town.

For a unique experience, try glamping or camping. Camp in My Garden, for example, lets travellers set up a tent or park a caravan in locals' homes. Caravan parks are another affordable option, often offering restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment.

University rooms are also an option during the summer months and university holidays. Websites like University Rooms can help you find affordable rooms in cities and towns across the UK.

Finally, if you're travelling with a group, consider renting a car and staying in holiday parks with static caravans. These parks often have facilities like pools, restaurants, and entertainment, making them a cost-effective option for groups or families.

Eat at budget restaurants or supermarkets

Eating at budget restaurants or supermarkets is a great way to save money while travelling in the UK. Here are some tips to help you eat on a budget:

• Stay in accommodations with a kitchen: This will allow you to cook your own meals and save money. Hostels, private properties, farms, and NGOs are great options for finding accommodations with kitchens. You can also look for rentals on Airbnb or similar websites.
• Shop at local markets and grocery stores: Buying ingredients at local markets and grocery stores is a more budget-friendly option than dining out for every meal. ALDI, Asda, Tesco, and Costco are some popular grocery stores in the UK.
• Take advantage of meal deals at supermarkets: Many supermarkets in the UK offer meal deals, where you can get a main meal, a drink, and a snack for a discounted price. For example, TESCO, Sainsbury, and Co-Op offer meal deals for £3-£4.
• Eat at budget-friendly restaurants: There are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants in the UK, such as Pizza Express, Zizzi, ASK, Leon, Greggs, and Pieminister. You can also find cheap eats at local pubs, where you can get a meal for around £10-£20.
• Look for coupons and specials: Keep an eye out for coupons and specials at restaurants to save money. Websites like Money Saving Expert and Smart Canucks offer deals and coupons for restaurants in the UK.
• Share meals: Sharing meals is a great way to save money when dining out. Many restaurants offer kids' meals or sharing plates that can be split between two or three people.
• Plan for the occasional splurge: While it's important to stick to a budget, don't forget to treat yourself occasionally. Set aside a small portion of your budget for a special meal or two during your trip.
• Try regional specialties: Eating regional specialties is a great way to experience the local culture. Some popular regional specialties in the UK include fish and chips, haggis, Irn Bru (a Scottish soda), bubble and squeak (a potato and cabbage dish), and the full English breakfast.
• Pack snacks: Bringing your own snacks can help you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Some snack ideas include nuts, fruit, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hummus, and rice cakes.
• Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle: Investing in a reusable water bottle will save you money in the long run, as you won't have to constantly buy bottled water. It's also more environmentally friendly!

Take advantage of free attractions

The UK is home to a plethora of free attractions, from museums and galleries to parks and gardens. Here are some ideas to get you started on your budget-friendly trip across the UK:

Museums and Galleries

The UK is famous for its abundance of museums and galleries, many of which offer free entry. In London, you can explore ancient history at the British Museum, discover natural wonders at the Natural History Museum, or admire artistic masterpieces at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The National Railway Museum in York is perfect for train enthusiasts, while the Museum of Lincolnshire Life in Lincoln offers a fascinating glimpse into the past with over 250,000 objects on display.

Natural Wonders and Gardens

For those who love the outdoors, the UK offers an array of natural attractions. The Sky Garden in London provides breathtaking cityscape views from its lush gardens. In Inverness, you can marvel at the towering Douglas fir trees of Reelig Glen, some of the tallest trees in Britain. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland is a site of natural beauty, with a tiny monastery dating back to the seventh century.

Historical Sites

Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed building from the eleventh century, is a must-visit site with free daily tours. The Bank of England Museum in London offers a unique insight into the bank's history, currency design, and gold bars. Bradford Industrial Museum takes you back in time to the city's industrial past, showcasing antique printing presses and restored terraced houses.

Walking Tours

Guided walking tours are a fantastic way to explore historic cities like Bath, with passionate locals sharing their knowledge. The Potter Trail in Edinburgh is a magical experience for Harry Potter fans, taking you to locations that inspired the books.

Outdoor Activities

The UK also boasts numerous free outdoor activities. In Edinburgh, you can hike up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, for stunning views of the city. Kynance Cove in Cornwall offers dramatic coastal scenery, while Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District provides a glimpse into ancient history.

Travel by coach or bus

Travelling by coach or bus is a cost-effective and flexible way to explore the UK. It is usually the go-to option for budget travellers. There are several companies that offer coach services across the UK, such as:

• National Express: This is one of the largest coach operators in the UK, covering routes throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. They offer comfortable coaches with amenities like air conditioning and onboard restrooms.
• Megabus: Megabus is known for its budget-friendly fares, with tickets starting as low as £1. They have a broad network of routes, making it an excellent option for travellers on a tight budget.
• Stagecoach: Stagecoach operates in most regions across the UK, offering services in cities like London, Manchester, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. They also have regional day passes and travel cards.
• FlixBus: FlixBus is a European bus company that has expanded its services to the UK. They also offer international connections to France, Belgium, and Germany.
• BlaBlaBus: BlaBlaBus is a European bus operator providing affordable travel options in Europe. They offer routes connecting London to major cities in Europe.

Coach travel is ideal for those who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Coaches often take routes that showcase the UK's stunning countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages. It is also a more affordable option compared to trains, with tickets starting from as low as £1.

Coach travel provides flexibility for those with a loose travel schedule who want to explore multiple destinations. Coaches serve a wide network of routes, connecting cities, towns, and remote areas that trains may not reach.

Most coach operators in the UK provide modern coaches with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seating, making long journeys more pleasant.

Coach travel is also a convenient option when travelling to popular cities where parking can be challenging and traffic congestion is common. Coaches usually have designated drop-off points in central locations, providing easy access to attractions.

Booking early is essential for securing the best deals on coach travel. Megabus, for example, offers £1 fares for advanced bookings.

Overall, travelling by coach or bus is a budget-friendly and scenic way to explore the UK, offering flexibility, comfort, and convenience for travellers.

Frequently asked questions