Escape London for as little as £5

"...you won’t just get out of London – you’ll be transported out of this world!"

As much as the country’s capital will always hold a special place in our hearts, we know that a whole other world exists outside of London, the UK’s biggest, busiest and, without a doubt, most expensive city.

We want to take you on new adventures and right now, you can travel from London with us for as little as £5. So to celebrate, we’ve listed eight amazing destinations you can visit and a load of fun things you can do there, too. After all, with prices starting from as low as a fiver, it would be rude not to!

Bristol

Enjoy a day out with a difference

You may think London has it all, but did you know that Bristol is brimming with cool new things to see and do that you just won’t find anywhere else? From stunning parks that are perfect for romantic strolls and family picnics, to quirky experiences and undiscovered gems, it’s the perfect little ‘from London’ getaway.

For the kids, they can enjoy a day of bouncing around at the UK’s biggest trampoline park – Airhop, or find out all the coolest things there are to know about astronomy and space at the UK’s first 3D Planetarium.

And if you tire of all the amazing attractions (but to be honest, we don’t think that’s possible!), stop to take in Bristol’s renowned, beautiful scenery. For the best views, we would highly recommend walking up to the top of Cabot Tower where you’re sure to fall in love with the breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Or, if you want a one-of-a-kind way to see the city and appreciate the gorgeous landscapes surrounding it, why not add a hot air balloon ride to your agenda? Plus, with fares from London starting at just £5, you’ll actually have some cash left over to truly enjoy the city.

Image location: Bristol Harbourside
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

Cardiff

Ditch the hustle and bustle and embrace the thrills

Ever find London’s hustle and bustle too much? We feel you, so why not make a trip to Cardiff and immerse yourself in its pretty greenery? The first place to tick off the list, of course, has to be Forest Farm.

With water fresh enough for kingfishers and herons to thrive in, as well as miles and miles of natural beauty, it’s certainly far-flung from your typical sights in the concrete jungle. After wandering around for a couple of hours, Mermaid Quay in the heart of the city should definitely be next on your agenda. Whether you stop by for a quick drink and a bite to eat, or save your visit until the end of the day where you’ll be able to watch the beautiful sun set across the bay, you’re sure to fall in love.

More of an adrenaline junkie? No worries – Cardiff has you covered on that front too. Pay a visit to the International White Water Centre and you’ll be able to get stuck into everything from riding the rapids and indoor surfing through to climbing walls and gorge walking.

And it’s a great city for stag-dos and hen-parties if you’re on the lookout.

Image location: International White Water Centre, Cardiff
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

Leicester

Go stargazing for an out of this world experience

When the night’s skies are all but completely washed out by the glow of London’s artificial light, gazing up at the stars proves quite the challenge.

That’s why a trip to Leicester’s National Space Centre is a must – especially if you're with your partner. Why's that? Well, you can sit romantically under the twinkling stars and watch (the appropriately selected) Stardust at their Cosmic Valentine’s film club.

And with the centre’s iconic Rocket Tower, six interactive galleries and the UK’s largest planetarium, you won’t just get out of London – you’ll be transported out of this world!

Image credit: Nathan Anderson on unsplash.com

Leeds

Have the perfect budget-friendly getaway

Let’s be honest – the masses of tourists that visit the capital combined with its money draining attractions can leave nothing short of a sour taste. But in Leeds, it’s a different story.

It’s achingly cool and just as hip as London, but minus the crazy amount of people, so you can enjoy the city without bumping into someone with a selfie stick at every corner (if we could insert the hands-in-the-air emoji here, we would).

Plus, a day there doesn’t have to break the bank either. With plenty of free things to do, a weekend in Leeds is the perfect budget-friendly getaway.

Top things to tick off your list? Playing giant chess in Victoria Gardens, going to see the stunning architecture of Leeds Minster (yes, unlike other big cathedrals, going inside is actually free), and partying the night away in Oporto – which has officially been named the UK’s best night out.

Plus, if you visit Harewood House between March and November you can feed penguins too.

Image location: Brewery Wharf, Leeds
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

Birmingham

Follow in the footsteps of a storytelling legend

London may have the Harry Potter Studios, but behold Birmingham, which is a Lord of the Rings lover’s utopia. As the hometown of Tolkien, thousands flock to the city every year to follow in his footsteps along the Tolkien Trail and our ‘from £5’ London fares are the perfect opportunity for you to give it a go too.

But with Cadbury World, the BBC, and the Bullring all in Birmingham too, why come for just a day when you can make an entire weekend of it?

Look up hotels and places to stay in the city on lastminute.com or airbnb.com in advance for the best deals.

Image location: Bullring, Birmingham
Image credit: visitenglandimages.com

Nottingham

Trade crowded streets for forest walks full of discovery

You won’t find many forest walks in Wood Green, but venture to the hometown of folklore legend, Robin Hood, and you’re in for a treat.

Whether you decide to have a wander around the majestic Sherwood Forest, or immerse yourself in the variety of Robin Hood associated tours, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Not into the whole Robin Hood thing? We’d highly recommend going deer spotting at Wollaton Hall, both majestic and magical, it can’t be missed. Cultural on many levels, there’s no way you can visit Nottingham without checking out at least some of its 450 caves that lie beneath the city either.

Image source: Sherwood Forest, Nottingham
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

Manchester

Drink amongst the clouds on a night like no other

So London’s nightlife is pretty fab, but we think Manchester tops it. It’s a firm favourite amongst party-goers, so grab a group of your favourite mates, take advantage of our affordable fares and get yourself direct to the city. You’ll find that the vibes are more chilled, the music is louder, drinks are oh so much cheaper – what more could you want?

Kick things off with a cocktail in Cloud 23, the drinks are second-to-none and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the entire city from Manchester’s one-and-only skyscraper. Once you’ve had your fill of tasty cocktails and stunning sights, continue the party in the Northern Quarter or Canal Street.

Full of bars and clubs, you won’t find a night out like it anywhere else. Don’t worry if you’re suffering after having one too many the next day either, as the local favourite ‘This & That Cafe’ has your back. After all, you can’t say fairer than rice and 3 curries for £5, can you?!

Image location: Manchester
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

Bournemouth

Be beside the seaside, then fall in love with so much more

You can’t stand on the shore in Shoreditch, but head over to Bournemouth and you’ll be greeted by seven miles of award-winning, beautiful beaches.

In the height of summer it’s the ideal place to top-up that post holiday tan or for taking the kids for a fun-filled weekend, whilst in the colder months it’s perfect for romantic strolls and blissful sightseeing. Honestly, you won’t find anything prettier.

And once you’re bored of the beach (which, we don’t think you can ever be), the town is full of activities and attractions, from aquariums and farms to zip-lining, go-karting and segway-riding, it has it all.

Image location: Bournemouth Beach
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com

So, go on, make the most of our affordable fares and get out of London – there’s plenty to discover elsewhere! After all, isn’t it about time you escaped the tourists and became one yourself?