Cheapest Cities, Countries and Towns to Visit in the UK

From ancient castles to hilly, green countryside, the UK offers an interesting blend of history, delectable cuisine and stunning natural landscapes. You’d expect that a lot of this will be pricey, but head out of London and you’ll find a wealth of cities, towns, counties and areas of England, Scotland, and Wales where a great stay doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Here are some of our recommended places in the UK to visit, and budget friendly ways to do it.

Top Tip: Planning on flying within the UK? Check out our guide to domestic flights within the UK for an airline guide and FAQs.

12 Budget Friendly Places to Visit in the UK

Liverpool

Liverpool on a Budget

The first things that come to mind when someone mentions Liverpool have got to be The Beatles and football, right? Alongside this, Liverpool was a key migration and trade port from the 18th to early 20th centuries, and has a rich historical and cultural history as a result. There’s lots to see, do and eat in Liverpool, so it’s an ideal place in the UK to visit, including if you want to stay on a budget.

Cheap Things to do in Liverpool

 Albert Dock, Liverpool, UK

• Free walking tour
• Museums at the Albert Dock
• Crosby and Formby beaches
• Free festivals
• Take a ferry ‘cross the Mersey
• The Beatles Story and other Beatles sights
• Visit The Cavern Club
• The Baltic Triangle

Cheap Accommodation in Liverpool

Alongside the more expensive, luxury hotels that Liverpool has to offer, there are countless cheaper hotels, hostels, and online marketplace properties.

Cheap eats in Liverpool

 Baltic Bakehouse, Liverpool, UK Cheap eats in Liverpool include:

• Roscoe Head pub
• Rough Hand Made
• Shino’s Coffee Lounge
• The Edge at Joey Orr’s
• Casa Italia
• YourThai Cafe
• Cafe Latino
• Lucy in the Sky
• The Old Hardware Shop
• Homebaked Anfield
• Baltic Bakehouse
• Georgie Porgy Cafe
• Caribou Poutine

How to Get to Liverpool

Fly to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) with the following airlines - easyJet, Wizz Air, Lauda, Blue Air, Flybe, Ryanair, and Widerøe

Brighton

Brighton on a Budget

Brighton and Hove is a seaside resort city an hour south of London. Home to a pebble beach, pier, a world famous Pride, and lots of things to do, the cost of a stay in Brighton can quickly add up. However, there’s plenty of cheap and free things to do in Brighton so that you can have a great time and not spend a fortune while you’re enjoying yourself.

Cheap Things to do in Brighton

 Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton, UK

• Brighton Pier
• Brighton Beach
• South Downs National Park
• Booth Museum
• Pavilion Gardens
• Hove Museum
• People watching
• Pride parade (first Saturday of August)

Cheap Accommodation in Brighton

Alongside the more expensive, luxury hotels, there are countless cheaper hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and online marketplace properties.

Where to Eat in Brighton

 The Pond, Brighton, UK Cheap eats in Brighton include:

• Pompoko
• BeFries
• Sunbirds Deli
• The Marine Tavern
• Social Board
• FilFil Falafel
• The Pond
• Billie’s
• Happy Maki
• Smorl’s
• Bagelman

How to Get to Brighton

Take me to Brighton: Fly to and from nearby London Gatwick Airport (LGW) with the following airlines and more - easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian, Thomas Cook Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Westjet, TAP Air Portugal, and Vueling.

The English Riviera (Torbay)

The English Riviera (Torbay) on a Budget

Still a popular place to visit by Brits today, the Torbay area was nicknamed “The English Riviera” in the 1800s, when it was a well-known, very popular attraction. Situated on the stunning South Devon Coastline, the main places to visit in the area include Torquay, Babbacombe, Brixham, and Paignton.

Cheap Things to do in Torbay

 Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay, UK

• Go to the beach - our recommendations are Torre Abbey Sands, Anstey’s Cove, and Preston beach
• Occombe Farm
• Berry Head National Nature Reserve
• UNESCO Geopark
• Torre Abbey
• Brixham Heritage Museum
• Cockington Village
• Dartmouth Steam Railway

Cheap Accommodation in The English Riviera (Torbay)

There’s a wide variety of accommodation available in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and the surrounding areas, including B&Bs, self catering cottages, holiday parks, hotels, hostels and online marketplace properties.

Where to Eat in The English Riviera

 The Kind Grind, Torquay, UK

Cheap eats in Torbay:

• The Bay Tree Cafe
• The Kind Grind
• Man Fridays Seafood Restaurant
• The Devon Arms
• Maido - Japanese Noodle Bar
• Anstey’s Cove Cafe
• Cupcakes
• Henry's Bar
• Mo’s Grill
• Mariners Fish and Chips
• Meadfoot Beach Cafe

How to Get to The English Riviera (Torbay)

Take me to The English Riviera: Fly to and from Exeter Airport (EXT) with the following airlines - Ryanair, TUI Airways, Freebird Airlines, and Flybe

Glasgow

Glasgow on a Budget

The port city of Glasgow is a popular, vibrant and dynamic place, offering stunning architecture, world-class shopping, arts and culture. It is a must visit when visiting Scotland, and really gives tourists a taste of what makes Glasgow great - including the people.

Cheap Things to do in Glasgow

 Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, UK

• GOMA
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• Hunterian Museum
• Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
• The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
• Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis
• The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
• Barrowlands and The Barras
• City Centre self guided mural trail
• City Chambers Guided Tour
• Dance at Sloans Ceilidh

Cheap Accommodation in Glasgow

Alongside more expensive hotels, there are countless cheaper hotels, hostels, and online marketplace properties.

Where to Eat in Glasgow

 Rose and Grants, Glasgow, UK

Cheap eats in Glasgow:

• MacTassos
• Jodandys
• German Doner Kebab
• Scran
• Picnic
• The Wild Olive Tree
• Ranjit’s Kitchen
• The 78
• Root & Fruits
• Hanoi Bike Shop
• Babu Bombay Street Kitchen
• Old Salty’s
• Rose and Grants

How to Get to Glasgow

Take me to Glasgow: Fly to and from Glasgow Airport (GLA) with the following airlines and more - Lufthansa, Westjet, Wizz Air, Emirates, Air Transat, Air Canada Rouge, Icelandair, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines

Pembrokeshire (inc St Davids and Tenby)

Pembrokeshire on a Budget

Rated by National Geographic magazine experts as the second best coastline in the world, Pembrokeshire has lots of things to do, places to stay, adventures and activities, including those that are free or cheap to do.

Cheap Things to do in Pembrokeshire

 Castle Beach, Tenby, UK

• Castle Beach, Tenby
• St Davids Cathedral
• The Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery
• Cistercian Monastery
• Solva
• Fishguard Fort
• Wander through woods such as Canaston Woods, The Gwaun Valley
• Tenby RNLI Lifeboat Station

Cheap Accommodation in Pembrokeshire

There’s a wide variety of accommodation available in Tenby, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, St Davids, and the surrounding areas, including B&Bs, self catering cottages, holiday parks, hotels, hostels and online marketplace properties.

Where to Eat in Pembrokeshire

 The Cambrian Inn, Solva, UK

Cheap eats in Pembrokeshire:

• Impasto Pizza Bar
• Pointz Castle Ice Cream
• The Fuchsia Caffe
• The Mill
• Cwtch
• The Sound Cafe
• The Shed
• The Cambrian Inn
• Indie Burger
• Caddies Cafe
• The Ship Inn

How to Get to Pembrokeshire

Take me to Pembrokeshire: Fly to and from Cardiff Airport (CWL) with the following airlines - BH Air, Vueling, TUI Airways, KLM. Flybe, Qatar Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines and Ryanair.

Norfolk Coast (esp Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton and Cromer)

The Norfolk Coast on a Budget

The Norfolk Coast has beautiful beaches, breath-taking countryside, and fantastic wildlife, most of which will be free to see! The Norfolk Coast, which spans 90 miles, is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so there’s many reasons why we recommend visiting the quaint coastal villages and coastal towns full of nostalgia.

Things to do on the Norfolk Coast

 Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk, UK

• Gorleston Beach
• Caister-on-Sea Beach
• Lydia Eva Steam Drifter
• Sandringham Estate
• Great Yarmouth Grand Parade
• Norfolk Lavender
• Heacham South Beach
• Walsingham Abbey
• Cromer Pier
• Seal spotting at Blakeney Point

Cheap Accommodation on the Norfolk Coast

North Norfolk and the Norfolk Coast is home to lots of budget cottages, B&Bs, hotels, online marketplace properties and campsites, so finding somewhere cheap to stay won’t be too difficult.

Where to Eat on the Norfolk Coast

 The Crab Pot Cafe, Cromer, UK

Cheap eats on the Norfolk Coast:

• The Beach Hut
• Munchies
• Two Way Cafe
• North Lodge Park Tea Rooms
• Crab Pot Cafe
• Breakers Cafe
• Honeystone
• The Neptune Inn
• The Copper Kettle

How to Get to Norfolk

Take me to Norfolk: Fly to and from Norwich International Airport (NWI) with the following airlines - TUI Airways, Loganair, Aurigny, Flybe, BH Air, and KLM

Lytham St Annes, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast

Lytham St Annes, and the Fylde Countryside and Coast on a Budget

The Fylde Coast is a coastal plain stretching from north of Liverpool to just below the Lake District, and includes towns such as Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood, Morecambe Bay, and Cleveleys. There’s lots of things to see and do in the area for travellers on a budget. Despite being closer geographically to Liverpool, Manchester airport would be the best place to fly to as there are excellent rail links to Blackpool.

Cheap Things to do on the Fylde Coast

 Blackpool Tower, Blackpool, UK

• St Anne’s Beach
• Lytham Hall
• Abingdon Street Market
• Ballroom at the Blackpool Tower
• Crabbing at Fleetwood boating lake
• Grundy Art Gallery
• Skippool Creek
• Wrea Green

Cheap Accommodation in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and the Fylde Coast

Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, and the Fylde Coast is home to lots of B&Bs, hotels, budget cottages, online marketplace properties and hostels, so finding somewhere cheap to stay won’t be too difficult.

Where to Eat on the Fylde Coast

 Yorkshire Fisheries, Blackpool, UK

Cheap eats in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and the Fylde Coast:

• Yorkshire Fisheries
• The Lytham Kitchen
• Stefani’s Pizzeria
• Vinyl Groove Cafe
• Compass Cafe Bar
• Ziggy’s Cafe Bar
• Vanilla Artisan Bakery
• Fresh
• The Deckhouse Tearooms
• The View Cafe and Vintage Music
• The Stone Jetty Cafe

How to Get to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast

Take me to Blackpool and Lytham St Annes: Fly to and from Manchester Airport (MAN) with the following airlines and more - Flybe, easyJet, Jet2.com, Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air Transat, Pakistan International Airlines, and Eurowings.

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire on a Budget

Alongside being the largest county in England, North Yorkshire is home to sweeping sandy beaches, stunning scenery, quaint towns and villages, and cities such as York and Middlesbrough.

There are no airports in the county, however, we recommend flying to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to access the area.

Cheap Things to do in North Yorkshire

 York Minster, York, UK

• York Minster
• National Railway Museum
• Castle Howard
• Whitby Abbey
• Fountains Abbey
• Yorkshire Dales
• Gaping hill
• Malham Cove
• Walking on the Moors
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Cheap Accommodation in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has a wide variety of cheap accommodation to stay in - quaint B&Bs in the Moors, campsites and caravan parks, hotels, guest houses, and online marketplace properties.

Where to Eat in North Yorkshire

 Caffe Lago di Como, Harrogate, UK

Cheap eats in North Yorkshire:

• Caffe Lago di Como, Harrogate
• Cambridge Cafe, Harrogate
• Major Toms Social, Harrogate
• LMDC Espresso Bar, Harrogate
• Sandside Cafe, Sandsend
• Humble Pie n Mash Shop, Whitby
• North Beach Cafe, Whitby
• The Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk
• Mill Race Teashop, Aysgarth

How to Get to North Yorkshire

Take me to North Yorkshire: Fly to and from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) with the following airlines - British Airways, Jet2.com, KLM, Nouvelair, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Flybe, Aer Lingus Regional.

Llandudno and Conwy

Llandudno and Conwy on a Budget

The Victorian seaside gem of Llandudno, and quaint town of Conwy can be found on the north Wales coast. This area of north Wales is perfect for travellers who want to visit a typical British seaside town, which has the addition of a rich mining history.

Cheap Things to do in Llandudno and Conwy

 Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Station, Wales, UK

• Beachcombing
• Take a trip to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch on Anglesey
• Visit Llandudno’s MOSTYN Gallery
• Go to Conwy (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - visit the castle and walk around the town walls
• Visit the National Slate Museum
• Take the Alice in Wonderland town trail in Llandudno
• Visit Anglesey’s Centre for Art and History and Oriel Ynys Môn

Cheap Accommodation in Llandudno and Conwy

Llandudno and Conwy have plenty of cheap places to stay, including B&Bs, hotels and guest houses.

Where to Eat in Llandudno and Conwy

 Providero Tea and Coffee House, Llandudno, UK

Cheap eats in Llandudno and Conwy:

• Chish'n'Fips
• Indulgence Cafe
• Pebble Restaurant And Take Away
• Providero Tea and Coffee House
• Popty Conwy Bakery
• The Liverpool Arms
• Tan Lan Bakery

How to Get to Llandudno

Take me to Llandudno: Fly to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) with the following airlines - easyJet, Wizz Air, Lauda, Blue Air, Flybe, Ryanair, and Widerøe

Cornwall

Cornwall on a Budget

Famed for world-renowned beaches, Cornwall can be found on the rugged south west coast of England. There’s lots to do and enjoy - whether it’s surfing on the north coast, or visiting picturesque fishing villages on the south coast, Cornwall offers a wide array of budget friendly things to do.

Cheap Things to do in Cornwall

 Lands End, Cornwall, UK

• Pay a visit to St Michael’s Mount
• Do the Porthcurno Coast Walk
• The Royal Cornwall Museum
• Heartlands, Redruth
• Follow The Camel Trail
• Lands End
• Bude Tunnel
• Fistral Beach
• Padstow Harbour
• Walk from Looe to Polperro
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Cheap Accommodation in Cornwall

As a traditional British holiday county, visitors to Cornwall have plenty of choice for cheap accommodation, from hotels, holiday parks, campsites, glamping, hotels, B&Bs and hostels.

Where to Eat in Cornwall

 Rest a While Tea Garden, Padstow, UK

Cheap eats in Cornwall:

• Ben’s Crib Box Cafe
• Le Snack
• Little Bay Cafe
• Nice Baps
• Rest a While Tea Garden
• The Cornish Crepe Company
• Inkie’s Smoke House BBQ
• Gusto Grill & Roast
• Rosemergy Farmhouse Cream Teas, Morvah

How to Get to Cornwall

Take me to Cornwall: Fly to and from Newquay Airport (NQY) with the following airlines - Aer Lingus Regional, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Flybe, and Eurowings.

Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea

Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea on a Budget

The port city of Portsmouth is known for its maritime heritage, alongside being the UK’s only island city, as it is mostly spread across the island of Portsea. The towns of Gosport and Southsea are part of Portsmouth, and both offer interesting and fun things to do and places to visit.

Cheap Things to do in Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea

 Portsmouth, UK

• Portsmouth Museum
• Southsea Castle
• Spinnaker Tower
• Westbury Manor Museum
• Bere Forest, Fareham
• The Mary Rose Museum
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Clarence Pier
• Southsea Model Village
• Take a day trip to the Isle of Wight
• WW1 Remembrance Centre

Cheap Accommodation in Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea

The Portsmouth area is home to a wide variety of accommodation for those on a budget - from B&Bs, cheap hotels, and hostels, to online marketplace properties and campsites.

Where to Eat in Portsmouth, Gosport and Southsea

 Pie and Vinyl, Southsea, UK

Cheap eats in the Portsmouth area:

• Andre’s Food Bar
• Baffled Coffee
• Pie & Vinyl
• The Spinnaker Cafe
• Tamales Kitchen
• Mozzarella Joes
• Manna Tearoom
• Southsea Coffee Co
• Feed Cafe
• The Akash
• Melted
• Smile Cafe
• Lins Thai Cafe
• The Tenth Hole Tearooms

How to Get to Portsmouth

Take me to Portsmouth: Fly to and from Southampton Airport (SOU) with the following airlines - Aurigny, Volotea, Flybe, easyJet Switzerland

Cardiff

Cardiff on a Budget

The UK’s 11th largest city, and the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a modern, vibrant city where something is always going on. It is home to the National Assembly for Wales, the Senedd building (home to the Welsh Assembly), a number of sports venues (including those for national and international football, rugby, and cricket), and lots of culture!

Cheap Things to do in Cardiff

 Cardiff Bay, Wales, UK

• Bute Park
• National Museum Cardiff
• St Fagans National History Museum
• Millennium Centre
• Cardiff Castle
• Cardiff Bay
• Dr Who hunting and visit Iantos Shrine (for Torchwood fans)
• Techniquest
• Rhondda Heritage Park, The Welsh Mining Experience
• Indoor Market
• Visit the Senedd
• Penarth Pier
• Barry Island
• Norwegian Church Arts Centre (including the Dahl Gallery)

Cheap Accommodation in Cardiff

Despite being home to some absolutely stunning luxury hotels, Cardiff is also home to many cheap hotels, hostels, online booking accommodations, B&Bs, and guest houses.

Where to Eat in Cardiff

 Kemi's Portcanna, Cardiff, UK

Cheap eats in Cardiff:

• Elmer’s Take a Break Cafe
• Nata & Co Bakery
• Kemi’s Portcanna
• Servini’s Cafe
• The Hellenic Eatery
• New York Deli
• Chai Street
• Bwyta Bwyd Bombai (3 B's)
• Hogwurst
• The Landsdowne
• Cardiff Bakestones

How to Get to Cardiff

Take me to Cardiff: Fly to and from Cardiff Airport (CWL) with the following airlines - BH Air, Vueling, TUI Airways, KLM, Flybe, Qatar Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines and Ryanair.

Be sure to check our other cheap guides:

Cheapest Countries in Europe
Cheapest Countries in South America
Cheapest Airlines in the World
Cheap Alternative to the Most Popular & Expensive Destinations
Cheapest Cities in Japan
Cheapest Countries in Southeast Asia
Cheapest Islands Around the World