Welcome to our ultimate guide to cheap holidays in the UK. Discover a range of budget-friendly escapes scattered across the country, from relaxing seaside retreats to vibrant city breaks.
Unearth hidden gems in the UK that are perfect for a break on a budget. We’ve chosen various destinations for you to consider, each offering fantastic wallet-friendly experiences. Whether you fancy exploring museums and galleries, dining in affordable restaurants or hiking through beautiful natural landscapes, we’ve got you covered.
Journey through all corners of the UK and find your perfect destination for a holiday without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of cheap holiday destinations in the UK where you can enjoy a fun-filled trip without spending a fortune. Explore an activity-filled English city, book a relaxing Welsh getaway or journey north of the border and immerse yourself in Scottish culture.
Discover our top 7 locations for a cheap UK staycation, with hotel recommendations for each destination.
If you’re looking for cheap UK holiday locations by the beach, look no further than Brighton. This south coast seaside town is ideal for a staycation, offering a beautiful pebble beach where you can relax, swim and grab fish and chips. Watch the sunset from Palace Pier or wander to the Marina, a working yacht harbour with bars and restaurants, shops and events all year round.
Broaden your horizons with a trip to one of Brighton’s free museums. Visiting the Brighton Fishing Museum, Booth Museum, or the Hove Museum and Art Gallery will cost nothing. Walkers should join the Public Art Trail and discover artwork around the city or head to the Grade II-listed Stanmer Park, part of The Living Coast and home to various plants and animals.
The Grand Brighton is an affordable option for your south coast getaway. It’s a historic hotel that opened in 1864 and is perfectly located on the seafront, within walking distance of many key locations. All rooms contain free toiletries, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, with sea views available.
Sheffield is ideal for a budget holiday in the UK, offering plenty of cheap activities. Check out the city’s range of free museums, galleries and attractions, including:
This South Yorkshire city is also perfect for keen walkers. You’ll find many gorgeous green spaces to explore, including Ecclesall Woods, Endcliffe Park and the Rivelin Valley Trail. Sheffield is also on the doorstep of the Peak District, so you can drive out and find more walking and hiking trails or explore villages like Castleton, Grindleford and Hathersage.
Leonardo Hotel Sheffield is a fantastic low-cost option for your stay in South Yorkshire. Its city centre location means you’ll be close to many local landmarks, bars, restaurants and Sheffield train station. Each room has a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and the Leonardo DREAM bed, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
Glasgow is another fantastic destination for a cheap escape in the UK. This Scottish city is awash with free things to do during your stay. Explore museums and galleries with unique exhibitions, including the Riverside Museum, Burrell Collection, Police Museum and Gallery of Modern Art. Another option is the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find the restored Kibble Palace, housing the national collection of tree ferns.
An array of outdoor activities are available in Glasgow. Queen’s Park is perfect for sports lovers, with tennis courts, pitch and putt and a skatepark alongside a boating pond. Alternatively, the Glasgow Necropolis Heritage Trail and the Mural Trail are ideal for avid walkers exploring the city.
Choose Leonardo Inn Hotel Glasgow West End for your stay in Glasgow. Located in the city’s popular West End area, the hotel is on the doorstep of many tourist attractions, bars and restaurants. It also offers easy access to the M8 motorway, while Glasgow Central station is a 20-minute train ride away.
There are many reasons why Newcastle is ideal for an affordable holiday in the UK. Known for having a vibrant nightlife with many bustling bars and clubs, the city is one of the cheapest in the UK for a pint. A 2023 study [JM1] put the Toon second on a list of the lowest-cost UK cities for a beer, with an average pint price of £3.67.
You’ll find many jaw-dropping landmarks around Newcastle, which you can marvel at without spending a penny. These include Newcastle Cathedral, Grey’s Monument and Tyne Bridge. You can also explore free-to-enter museums like the Discovery Museum, wander around Jesmond Dene, or visit the animals at Ouseburn Farm.
You’ll find two Leonardo hotels in Newcastle perfect for a budget UK holiday. Leonardo Hotel Newcastle offers a city centre location alongside free Wi-Fi, room service and a bar serving the local tipple – Newcastle Brown Ale. Alternatively, check in at Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside for comfortable and spacious rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs and views of the River Tyne and Millennium Bridge.
You should always consider Liverpool when looking for a value-for-money UK holiday. The city is home to the fabulous Albert Dock, where you’ll find free-to-visit museums like the Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum. There are also beautiful outdoor spaces where you can relax, from Sefton Park and Everton Brow to Childwall Woods and Formby Beach. And that’s not forgetting the city’s many landmarks – there are 2,500 listed buildings and 250 local monuments for you to see.
Liverpool is also home to several budget-friendly restaurants, with fantastic food available at affordable prices. Some of the best cheap restaurants in Liverpool include:
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool is an ideal base for your trip to Merseyside. Located in the city’s heart, the hotel offers rooms to suit all budgets, each including complimentary toiletries, an iron and ironing board, and a hairdryer.
Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and there is no better place to visit than the city at its heart – Exeter. It’s ideal for a cheap getaway, with a range of activities that won’t greatly impact your wallet. Head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Gallery, which offers free entry and is home to collections telling the story of the natural world. Or wander down to Exeter Quay, a beautiful spot on a sunny day. Nestled within the historic architecture are a range of cafés, antique shops and restaurants, and you can even hop on a relaxing boat trip.
On Exeter’s doorstep is the jewel of Devon’s crown – Dartmoor National Park. Hike through the open moorlands and deep river valleys, gaze at magnificent natural landscapes and look out for rare wildlife, including the ‘little five’ – blue ground beetle, cuckoo, marsh fritillary, otter and ash black slug.
Fancy a low-cost trip to Devon? Leonardo Hotel Exeter is your perfect stopping point, offering a city centre location within walking distance of many local landmarks and Exeter Central station. Rooms are comfortable and spacious with contemporary décor, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, while the on-site restaurant and bar are great places to unwind. There’s also an NCP nearby for those travelling by car.
Cardiff is our final recommendation for an affordable UK holiday destination. The Welsh capital is packed with wallet-friendly things to keep you occupied, with many stunning landmarks to admire, including:
Wander around natural beauty spots – Bute Park, Mermaid Quay and St. Fagan’s Walk are all popular, with scenic walks aplenty. Art fans should stop by the National Museum Cardiff, home to one of Europe’s best painting and sculpture collections. If you’re more of a history buff, head to Rhondda Heritage Park, where you can enjoy a fantastic coal mining experience and learn about life underground for less than £10 entry.
Choose Leonardo Hotel Cardiff for your holiday in the Welsh capital. Its city centre location means all the main local landmarks are nearby, while Cardiff Queen Street Station is a short walk away. All rooms are designed with comfort in mind, while the on-site restaurant serves a full breakfast buffet alongside an all-day menu featuring main meals, snacks and desserts.
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