Top places to visit in the UK on a budget
The United Kingdom is considered one of the most expensive travel destinations not only in Europe but in the whole world. Nevertheless you don’t have to be a Russian oligarch to travel in Britain. After all, the British have developed the low cost airlines to an extent that a return ticket from London to Dublin can sometimes cost only 1 euro. So you just have to do your homework and find all those hidden, cheap but great places.
London is the sixth most expensive city in the world but admiring the architecture and the history is still for free. Besides you can replace the expensive attractions with some cheap not so widely known options. For example instead of paying £37 for the London Eye you can climb the Primrose hill in North London and observe the bird’s eye view of the city as much as you like. If you check and plan in advance you can always catch a free concert in the National Theater.
If you decide to leave London and go looking for some hidden trip gems in the countryside you will not be disappointed. One of the best options is Bournemouth. The British consider this small seaside town one of the best places for an exciting Easter break. Probably this is the reason why Bournemouth is voted “the happiest place in the UK”. If you are lucky and the English weather is favourable a day at the beach can be absolutely free. In Bournemouth there are plenty of parks and gardens and a walk on the peer is so tempting.
If you are a fan of funfilled holiday parks after a short trip you can arrive at Butlins, which has a number of holiday camps in the UK. Butlins runs a variety of “family fun activities” and entertainments, many of which are included in the price of a holiday and therefore fantastic for a budget traveler. Their famous Redcoats provide entertainment, organise activities, and act as hosts. One favorite is a large indoor waterpark known as Splash Waterworld
Looking for an affordable trip to a historical site? The village of Broadway is a good decision. It is located in Worchestershire and nearby is the Broadway hill with the famous tower. The tower has an admission fee of £4.5 but if your budget is really tight you don’t have to go in. A day in the park which is absolutely free will make you feel like you went back to the Victorian Era. This is a great place for picnic so you will save on restaurants as well and there a great chance of meeting a red deer.
The British countryside has a lot to offer if you are not afraid of walking. Take for example Land’s End. It is a free admission site with stunning views offering a great day for the tourists. There are attractions which require a fee, like the famous Land’s End signpost, but if you don’t insist on having a photo with a sign that says “3147 miles to New York” you don’t have to pay. The Lizard Point also offers great views. This is the most southerly point on mainland Great Britain. You have to be prepared to face the forces of nature but the tiny café on the edge of the cliff can offer a shelter and it is a great (and cheap) idea to sleep in the old lighthouse which now is a hostel.
One of the best places to visit while you are in the UK is Edinburgh. The city is like scenery of a fairytale. Budget travelers are also welcome here. The admission for the famous Edinburgh Castle is £11, which is not that much compared to the other British historical sites. You can enter the St. Gilles Cathedral, the Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery. All these are for free. A walk in the Royal Botanic Garden will cost you nothing. And if you are looking for The View then climb Calton Hill. It is a bit of a hike but the reward is worth – stunning scenery of the marvelous Edinburgh.
