As a frequent traveller, I thought I share some of the best UK budget staycations that we love especially now that the end is in sight and we can actually start making plans. Although the UK isn’t always high on my list of destinations when I am planning my trips, there have been places that we have visited that have truly blown us aware and continue to even now. I still don’t understand why UK staycations are so expensive but I also believe with a little lot of research, you can find affordable (insert – I didn’t say cheap) locations that you can visit that ain’t Butlins.
Over the lifetime of this blog, we have been on so many wonderful trips across the UK and some I hope to return to soon and others I have visited more than once. The best UK budget staycations that we love include the Cotswolds and I know this part of the country ain’t cheap but actually you don’t need to stay in the heart of the Cotswolds, you can find affordable accommodation mostly in the outskirts of the beautiful English countryside. You just need to know where to look, have your Groupon alerts on and be flexible with the dates of travel.
The Best UK Budget Staycations That We Love
A lot of things have changed in the last 12 months in the travel circles and a lot of us are eager to escape plague island for greener pastures. It is weird to think that I not been on a plane in almost 6-months because I travel every single month somewhere abroad for leisure. But, we all understand the gravity of the current situation and we hope our travels shall resume again in a safer manner. Since the government announcement of the phased approach to ease the lock-down, a lot of us have been planning to explore destinations near and far.
I would be lying if I said I have not booked any international trips ready for when the gates open but I have. Even then I have made sure the first few months once the restrictions are lifted, I want to explore more of the UK hence why I compiled a list of the best UK budget staycations that we love and would recommend to fellow travellers or those looking for ideas as to where they can go for the summer holidays. I am sure many families are not looking to escape to foreign destinations so I surmise the UK staycations will be sought after big time.
With that in mind, I thought I share the top 5 and the best UK budget staycations that we love.
Portmeirion, North Wales
Portmeirion is an Italian inspired and exquisite looking village in North Wales that gives you the feel of being in Italy exploring one of their incredible costal towns. Although the drive was over 6-hours, it was worth it because Portmeirion is a gem amongst gems and one that is ideal for families, couples and even solo travellers. My sister and I stayed in a village called small village of Y Fron in North Wales where we stayed and although it was 45-minutes drive, it was super affordable.
Swansea Bay, South Wales
Another incredible location in Wales is Swansea Bay, a vast coastline covered with piers and incredible beaches you would think you were in another country. We were truly blown away by the beauty that is tucked away in Swansea Bay with an array of beautiful accommodations from glamping boards to swanky hotels and in the mix some beautiful Airbnbs and affordable accommodation like the Kings Head inn a beautiful hotel in Llangennith.
Dover, South East England
Last year after the first lockdown ended, the girls and I went on a memorable girls trip to Dover so we could visit the White Cliffs of Dover, drive around the county of Kent and explore popular destinations like Canterbury. We hired a glamping house at a holiday site and drove to all the popular destinations making this very affordable for everyone. Staying close to popular tourist destinations is always closely but thankfully we found accommodation that was budget friendly and perfectly situated for our needs.
Salisbury, England
Salisbury {pronounced SawZ Bree} is a medieval as well as Cathedral city located in Wiltshire Southern part England. Our visit to this part of the country happened during some unfortunate international news but we discovered staycation in Salisbury was most affordable and its only 9miles way from the Stonehenge which was the reason for our trip. But don’t let this fool you, Salisbury can hold its own with a majestic cathedral that visitors flock to see year on year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of my most favourite destinations within the UK, its always like a breath of fresh air when I visit. Often it is thought to be an expensive city and whilst it does have a flare of the dramatics, its an incredible city. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from luxury high end to affordable for the entire family and if you wish to be in the centre of the action without the price tag then check out CoURT Boutique Hostel (don’t knock it till you see it.)
Although I have only included 5 in this post of the best UK budget staycations that we love, I have a long list of places but they all slowly beyond a day start creeping into the expensive zone. The UK has a plethora of choices the issue is for most of the everyday Joe, to spend more than 2-days for a family of 5 because the biggest cost ever and most families can not afford than, so our trust Butlins more often than not wins the pot. And not that there is anything wrong with Butlins, its just I have outgrown my childhood desires to always vacation at Butlins at least once a year.
What are some of your favourite staycations within the UK that are budget friendly and you would recommend?
Beth says
We travel in the UK rather than abroad. I’m not much of a traveller but these really are great ideas. 🙂
Rachel says
I’ve really enjoyed staying in the UK – I’m hoping to visit Cornwall and Wales this year! xo
Melissa Cushing says
I truly cannot wait to get to traveling again. I also can’t wait to get to the UK as I have never been there and any of these 5 locations looks an sound amazing 🙂
Sam says
The UK is only travel list when we’re able to travel again. These all said like great options. Traveling affordably is so important with the way things are currently.
PrettyBigButterflies says
I haven’t been to any of these places but will def consider them once lockdown is over. I can’t wait to explore more of the UK!
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
Staycations on a budget is the way to go during the pandemic. Thank you for sharing.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I’ve just bookmarked you site as we have been thinking about booking a staycation instead this year instead of travelling overseas when we can travel safely again
Rebecca Smith says
I definitely need to visit these places. I love Wales but really want to explore it more – especially Portmeirion!
Samantha Donnelly says
There are so many lovely places in the UK I have a long list of places I would love to visit my first stop is Cornwall as never been
sondra09 says
These all sound interesting! I would want to check out Salisbury for the medieval city.
Serena says
Oh my gosh looks so gorgeous! I can’t wait to start traveling again.
Jennifer Passmore says
They all sound so amazing! I want to visit someday!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
It’s great that there are so many great places to visit in the UK. I’d love to go to Dover and look for dinosaur remains.
TheSuperMomLife says
I’ve always wanted to visit the UK! These are great options when we go!