How to Travel the UK on a Budget

The UK remains a top travel destination year after year. It has a fascinating history, royalty, modern innovation, and renowned culture. London, the capital city, is a tourism and business hub that consistently ranks among the top 10 European cities! Although popular, the UK is expensive to visit. This is particularly true for visitors from countries where the pound is not as strong as it is.

If you have planned to visit the UK using the UK ETA, UK visa, etc., this guide is for you.

Despite its high cost, you shouldn't exclude the UK from your travel itinerary! UK travel on a budget can still offer spectacular sights and experiences! You just need a few budget-savvy tips to get started.

UK ETA Application Process

If you are eligible for a UK ETA, you should apply for one by following these steps:

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

Begin by completing the straightforward UK ETA application form by entering some basic but essential data. Upload the necessary documents for the UK ETA application and respond to a few security questions.

Step 2: Make the ETA Fee Payment

Once the form is filled out correctly, you need to submit it and pay the UK ETA fee.

Step 3: Get your ETA

Your UK ETA will be sent to your email address as soon as the processing is finished and your request is accepted.

Useful Information

Documents Required for UK ETA

UK ETA FEE

Need Your UK Travel Pass Urgently? Super Rush Processing — Approved in 24 Hours!

If you are in a hurry and need your UK ETA approved fast, super rush processing can get your travel pass ready within 24 hours. While this expedited service comes with an additional fee, it ensures you meet your travel deadlines without delays. Perfect for last-minute trips or emergency travel plans!

Is the United Kingdom Expensive to Visit (in 2025)?

The price of travelling to the UK varies based on your travel preferences and your plans.

Overall, the United Kingdom is rated as a "moderately priced" place to visit. You can find lodging, food, and activities to fit any budget, but you'll need to plan your time to maximise your trip.

What currency should I take to the United Kingdom?

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the official local currency of the United Kingdom. You'll need pounds sterling if you intend to bring cash with you to spend while you're away.

The £ is the currency symbol that you see on menus at restaurants and in stores.

Costs and Prices in the United Kingdom for Tourists

Let us now go over the typical expenses for UK visitors. Below is a useful overview of hotel, dining, and service expenses for UK travellers. Use the information in combination with your study to ascertain the likely charges and rates you will come across on your trip.

Budgeted Flights to the UK

Are you interested in visiting the UK but scared about the cost? Traveler on a budget, relax! Numerous airlines provide cheap UK flights, making your holiday dreams more achievable than before. Here are some of the UK's budget flight leaders:

Wizz Air UK

While Wizz Air has a strong presence across Europe, their UK-based arm, Wizz Air UK, focuses on connecting various destinations, potentially offering cost-effective options depending on your departure city. Keep an eye out for their routes and promotional fares.

Ryanair UK

A familiar name in the low-cost carrier landscape, Ryanair UK operates numerous routes to and from the UK. Known for their no-frills approach, they often provide some of the most competitive base fares. Be sure to factor in potential extra charges for baggage and other services.

British Airways

Even while British Airways is frequently thought of as a full-service airline, it does have some more affordable prices, particularly if you book ahead of time or during special offers. If you want a more conventional airline experience but are still looking for a fair price, they might be a decent choice.

Aer Lingus UK

Connecting the UK with Ireland, Aer Lingus UK can be a suitable or viable option, particularly if your journey involves a stopover in Ireland. They sometimes offer attractive fares on their transatlantic routes as well.

EasyJet Airways

Another eminent player in the European budget airline market, EasyJet, has a significant presence in the UK, offering a wide network of routes to various cities across the country and beyond. Their straightforward pricing structure can make budgeting easier.

Fly to the UK on a Budget: Essential Tips

1. Date & Time Flexibility is Key: Travelling during the off-season (spring/fall, excluding major holidays) and opting for mid-week or less popular flight times (early morning, late night) often yields significant savings.
2. Widen Your Airport Net: Don't just focus on Heathrow. Explore other London airports (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) and even regional UK airports (Manchester, Birmingham), as budget airlines frequently operate from these. Factor in onwards travel costs.
3. Master Flight Comparison: Utilise aggregators like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare numerous airlines and agencies. Set up price alerts and use their "flexible dates" view to pinpoint the cheapest days to fly.
4. Embrace Budget Carriers (Carefully): Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air UK offer low base fares. However, be meticulous about extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. Travel light if possible.
5. Consider the Layover Advantage: For long-haul journeys, connecting flights are often considerably cheaper than direct options. Explore routes with layovers in the Middle East or other European hubs.
6. Time Your Booking Wisely: While not an exact science, aiming to book around 6-8 weeks in advance for international travel can be a sweet spot. Adjust this for peak seasons where booking earlier is recommended.
7. Pack Smart, Save Big: On budget airlines, checked baggage fees can add up. Try travelling with carry-on luggage only to avoid these extra costs.
8. Seek Out Deals & Be Savvy Online: Keep an eye out for promotional fares and discount codes. Using incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies before searching might prevent price tracking.

Accommodation Costs in the United Kingdom

The cost of accommodation is often one of the largest expenses when travelling abroad; however, the price varies based on the type of lodging you choose. The price of lodging in the UK for two individuals sharing a standard double-occupancy hotel room is shown below.

Do check out Best Hotels in London for Tourists

Here are some tips to reduce accommodation costs in the United Kingdom:

Book in Advance

Advance booking can help secure better deals and lower prices, especially during peak seasons. This process is particularly important for hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties.

Consider Budget Accommodation

Opt for budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb listings. Many hostels now offer private rooms that are cheaper than hotels, and Airbnb often provides more affordable and homely alternatives.

Stay Outside Major Tourist Areas

Accommodation in city centres or popular tourist destinations can be expensive. Consider staying in a less tourist-heavy area and using public transport to commute to your desired destinations.

Look for Deals and Discounts

Take advantage of deals on booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda. Sign up for their newsletters or loyalty programs to receive discounts or special offers.

Use Accommodation Comparison Websites

Use price comparison websites like Trivago, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare accommodation options and find the best prices for your preferred location and dates.

Consider Longer Stays

Many accommodation providers offer discounts for longer stays, especially in serviced apartments, vacation rentals, or hostels. If your trip is extended, enquire about weekly or monthly rates.

Daily Food Costs in the United Kingdom

Alt: Daily Food Costs in the United Kingdom

For many of us, food is a major part of our international travels, but the cost can vary greatly depending on where you buy your meals in the UK. Purchasing food from neighbourhood markets and shops might be among the least expensive options. You can also choose to dine at mid-range or upscale restaurants. This is an illustration of the price of a meal in the UK according to the types of restaurants.

Here are some tips to help reduce daily food costs in the United Kingdom:

Cook at Home

Preparing meals at home is significantly cheaper than eating out. Plan your meals in advance, use simple recipes, and buy ingredients in bulk to save money. Consider cooking large batches and freezing leftovers for later use.

Shop at Budget Supermarkets

Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland offer a wide variety of affordable groceries. Opting for these stores over higher-end supermarkets can save a considerable amount on your weekly food bills.

Buy Seasonal and Local Produce

Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually cheaper. Visit local farmer’s markets or look for discounts on produce that’s about to go out of date.

Use Coupons and Discounts

Many supermarkets and food delivery services offer discounts, vouchers, or loyalty programs. Take advantage of these deals by checking for coupons online or downloading store apps for savings.

Limit Convenience Foods

Pre-packaged meals and convenience foods (like microwave dinners or ready-made sandwiches) tend to be more expensive. Cooking from scratch or making your own snacks and meals will save you a lot in the long run.

Meal Planning and Prep

Create a meal plan for the week and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure you only purchase the ingredients you need. Also, prepare meals in advance to avoid unnecessary takeaways or eating out.

Cost of Drinks & Beverages

Now let's discuss the price of water, wine, beer, and other drinks in the UK:

Tips to help reduce the cost of drinks and beverages in the UK

Buy in Bulk

Purchasing drinks in bulk, such as packs of bottled water, soft drinks, or even alcohol, often comes at a much cheaper price per unit. Consider buying larger quantities and storing them at home.

Opt for Supermarket Brands

Instead of buying branded drinks, go for supermarket own-brand options. They are typically cheaper but offer similar quality.

Take Advantage of Happy Hours and Deals

Many pubs, bars, and restaurants in the UK offer happy hours or special deals on drinks. Plan your outings during these times to save money.

Bring Your Own Drinks

Some venues allow patrons to bring their own drinks, especially if you're attending a private event or gathering. Check with the venue first to avoid corkage fees.

Stick to Water or Tap Water

If you're out at a restaurant, always ask for tap water, which is free. This can save a significant amount, especially in places where bottled water is priced high.

Avoid Alcohol at Premium Prices

Alcoholic drinks in pubs and restaurants are marked up significantly. Consider drinking at home or finding local spots where drinks are priced more reasonably.

Travel Costs in the United Kingdom

There are still things you need to learn about getting around the UK when you get there. The price of your trip may change based on the options you choose and how quickly you need to get there. Taking public transportation is often the cheapest choice, but depending on your budget, renting a car or calling a taxi may be faster and give you more freedom.

In the UK, some popular strategies to reduce transport costs are as follows:

• Whenever feasible, take the airport shuttles to the city core when you arrive.
• When possible, take the bus, subway, tram, or other public transportation. Google Maps can make navigation easier.
• To cut down on travel time, schedule activities that cover the must-see locations in one area before moving on to the next.
• Make use of reputable taxi drivers and approved ride-hailing services.

Do Check out Public Transport in the UK

Some Additional Tips for Travelling the UK on a Budget

Discover the art of frugal travel to the UK with these insider tips to save pounds and experience the best of Britain on a budget!

Book Early

• One of the best money-saving ideas is booking flights, hotels, and transportation early.
• After setting a budget, search for travel and hotel offers.
• Annual promotions like Black Friday provide fantastic travel savings!
• Also, travel in the UK's low season (January–March, when it's cold and damp and crowds are lower).
• Shoulder season works well when combining the UK with other European destinations.

Visit During the Shoulder Season

Prices will likely be higher if you are travelling to the UK in the summer, especially in late July and early August. Prices go up and availability could be restricted during the UK school holidays, which are one week at the end of May/beginning of June and six weeks from July to early September.

The shoulder seasons of March through May and September through October provide lower prices and generally mild weather (anticipate sunny periods and storms). Do check out Best Time to Visit the UK

Tour in Groups

• Do you want to explore some of the UK's best attractions on a budget? Go for group tours!
• For a UK vacation, budget £100–£200 each day.
• UK group tour packages are economical and convenient.
• Accommodation, transportation, food, and fun activities are included in the tour price.
• That means you only need to worry about flights to and from the UK, daily spending money, and any optional extras!
• Group trips are led by an experienced guide.
• You can establish international acquaintances and meet new folks.

Plan Transportation

• Transport expenditures might be the largest trip budget blow!
• You can reduce transport costs with advance planning and study.
• Compare UK city-to-city travel choices.
• UK public transport is reliable.
• Trains are time-efficient but expensive.
• Coaching is the cheapest way to travel in the UK.
• While coaches are cheaper, the drive can be longer than trains.
• National Express and Megabus operate nationwide.
• Buy a transport card (London Oyster cards are excellent for city travel) to stretch your money.
• Use them on underground and overground buses.
• Remember to check the zones you're between.
• Check weekends for public transit deals.
• Also, black cab taxi rides might be pricey.
• Discount airlines operate in the UK.
• When comparing flight options, include airport transit times, checking in, and luggage collection.
• If at all possible, explore British cities by foot to save a lot of money!
• Explore bustling city centres, serene parks, and historic streets.
• Even better, you can rent a bike and ride about!
• Travel Tip: In large cities like London, public transport is a fantastic way to see the attractions on your own. As you go from place to place, take the bus to see more.

Find Free Activities

• The UK is pricey for lodging, food, and activities; however, it offers numerous free activities!
• Museums and galleries offer free admission.
• London's Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and British Museum are popular.
• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh offer exhibitions.
• Free activities include exploring the UK's magnificent parks and outdoor spaces.
• Saving on free activities gives you more money to spend on your passions!
• Several UK attractions are expensive but worth it!
• Football matches and exquisite dining are niche interests from Stonehenge and the Tower of London!
• Just determine what you want to do and save up.
• Travel tip: Buy attraction passes to save money on entrance costs if you want to visit many historic or popular tourist sites. Check out the English Heritage Pass, National Trust Touring Pass, and Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.

Watch for Dinner Deals

• Splurging on pricey dinners will physically drain your wallet!
• You don't need to survive on bread and water, but you should budget for food.
• UK dinner specials are worth watching.
• Lunch specials at famous restaurants in big cities are a terrific way to experience excellent dining.
• Pub cuisine is cheap, hearty, and tasty!
• Daily and happy hour specials are common at pubs!
• Try breakfast in a hostel or self-catering setting and take picnic lunches.
• Breakfast is available in some accommodations.
• Being mindful of your expenses will help you budget and enjoy some fancy dinners!

Venture Outside Big Cities

• Large cities like London and Edinburgh are thrilling, while smaller towns and rural places are cheaper.
• Visit York's mediaeval streets, the Cornish coast, or the Scottish Highlands on a budget.

Plan to Spend Slightly More Than Expected

• Just like in life, budgets often don't go as planned.
• Therefore, it's wise to slightly overestimate your spending.
• Keep a buffer for unanticipated expenses.
• After the journey, you may have cash.
• Spend it on last-minute souvenirs or save it for your future trip!

Wrapping it up

Going to the UK doesn't have to leave you broke. You can get the most out of it on a budget if you know how. Plan your travels carefully, bring light, and use different modes of transportation. With tips like split ticketing, rail travel offers an even greater balance of affordability and convenience. These suggestions will keep your budget satisfied and your itinerary comprehensive, regardless of your travel goals—castles, coasts, or urban moods. So, take out a map, plot your course, and set out. The United Kingdom is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions for Budget Travel in the UK

Are there any budget-friendly options for visiting royal sites in the UK?

Yes, consider visiting during off-peak hours or seasons, and look for special deals or packages that include royal site visits. Some royal sites also offer free admission on certain days of the year.

Can I use my credit or debit card for public transportation in the UK?

Many UK public transport systems accept contactless credit and debit card payments. Apple Pay and Google Pay are mobile payments.

Are there any budget-friendly alternatives to traditional hotels in the UK?

Yes, consider staying in a glamping site, hostel, or guesthouse. You can also look into house-sitting or apartment-swapping options.

Can I bring my pet with me on public transportation in the UK?

The type of pet and mode of transportation determine this. Certain trains and buses permit pet carriers, while others do not. Before bringing your pet, please check with the transportation provider.

Are there any free walking tours available in major UK cities?

Yes, many major UK cities offer free walking tours. These tours are often led by local guides and can be a great way to explore the city while learning about its history and culture.