4 Ways to Have a Cheap UK Staycation

With all the quarantine restrictions for holidaymakers returning from abroad, international holidays are off the table for many right now. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to forgo all hopes of having a holiday this year. There’s still the option of a cheap UK staycation!

While you may need to pack your coat and gloves, Britain has plenty of historic cities and exquisite countryside for you to explore. Indulging in a weekend away also doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Before selecting your destination do check current tier restrictions for your area and where you are hoping to go. Now let’s take a look at some cheap UK staycation options.

1. Look for accommodation outside of hotels for your cheap UK staycation

Camping

If getting some fresh air in the countryside appeals to you, why not opt for camping? Camping is part of the adventure of a rural holiday and can cost as little as £5 a night, per person (prices vary depending on location and time of year). If you don’t have all the gear, ask around family and friends to see if you can borrow a tent.

If it’s a busy time of year, look for campsites a bit further away from the main tourist attractions to save money. Many campsites also allow dogs so they can enjoy a holiday too!

If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to Scotland where you can actually wild camp in any suitable area (other than private land). Here’s an excellent list of the UK’s best wild camping spots. Just be sure to leave everything as you found it when you pack up and leave.

Glamping

The authentic experience of camping isn’t for everyone. If you’re accustomed to a little more luxury, then glamping could be a better option for you. Instead of a canvas tent, you could try a yurt, hut, wigwam or even a treehouse!

Caravans

If you prefer to have a more stable roof over your head, a caravan may be a good option. Static caravan sites are great for offering budget accommodation for families and couples. It will cost you more than a spot to pitch your tent, but you’re likely to get a cosier night’s sleep.

B&Bs

Staying at a guesthouse or B&B will set you back less than a hotel would, and you may even get some breakfast! With this option, you’ll have your own space and more comfort, and you won’t be as reliant on the questionable British weather.

Whether you fancy a night in the countryside or want to explore a city, there will be plenty of B&B options to choose from. Airbnb is a great place to start your accommodation search.

2. Avoid unnecessary travel costs

If you are planning to travel by car, you should ensure you fill your tank with petrol before setting off. This will save you the expense of higher prices at services stations along the way.

For long journeys, it’s advisable to pack some snacks or even a little picnic that you can have in the car. Again, stopping at services stations for a bite to eat can be costly as there is a big mark-up on their products. You can probably get 5 chocolate bars from B&M for the price of 1 at a motorway services.

Make sure that you explore different transport options and you may be surprised to find something cheaper. For example, public transport may be more cost-effective and easier if you don’t have any kids to cart around. The further in advanced you can book bus or train tickets the better as you’ll likely get a cheaper deal.

3. Avoid peak times

Naturally, if you’re looking to go away during the school holidays or over a bank holiday weekend your costs will shoot up. Summer holidays are the worst time for price hikes, so if you are confined to school holidays, why not try Easter instead? We can still get some lovely weather then.

Another tip for a cheap UK staycation is to check whether any big events happening around the time you want to travel as this can increase costs. This shouldn’t be much of an issue at the moment given the restrictions on crowds.

4. Go somewhere different

There are a number of obvious tourist hotspots in the UK – London, Bath, Oxford, etc. These places are more expensive to visit because of their popularity. However, there are so many amazing places to see in the UK and certainly, the North of England and Scotland have some great cities to explore that will cost a fraction of the price.

Bringing it all together

Holidays are a great way to relax and recharge. While going abroad may not be a viable option at the moment, a cheap getaway at home could be just what you need.

If you’re really short for cash, here’s a neat trick for making £100 in 10 minutes! That will go nicely towards your next break!