How to see the UK on a budget
Find travel inspiration and money-saving tips for destinations across the UK
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What to do, where to eat, how to save...
Thought you had to dig deep in your wallet to enjoy some of the UK’s best destinations? Then think again!
Here’s 6 places you can get to on our coaches, and loads of budget-friendly ways to have a blast while you’re there.
London
Things to do
- Hop on the coach and plan a day out for less with our range of 2 for 1 London offers.
- Get learning in the coolest of classrooms at London’s top free museums. We’ve got a soft spot for the Natural History Museum – swoon!
Things to see
- Kate’s baby bump at Buckingham Palace (only joking, check out the Changing of the Guard instead).
- The magnificent Thames and the historic Houses of Parliament.
Ways to save money
- Enjoy free late night comedy sessions at Camden’s Angel Comedy. Did you know? Russell Howard often performs some of his new material there.
- Forget Oxford Street, bag the best bargains and one-of-a-kind finds at Portobello Road.
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
Birmingham
Things to do
- Go window shopping in the Bullring, Grand Central or Great Western Arcade – there’s loads of places to choose from!
- For a night out you’ll really remember, we recommend hitting up Bierkeller, or PRISM, on Broad Street.
- Snap up all the weird and wonderful street art in Digbeth.
Top eats
- The Balti Triangle – you’ll have a lip-smackingly good curry for just a fiver.
- The Warehouse Cafe – a veggie and vegan paradise.
- Digbeth Dining Club – a haven of street food across all manner of cuisines (taking place on selected Fridays and Saturdays).
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
York
Things to do
- Step back in time and walk along 1900 years of history at the City Walls.
- Take in the gorgeous views of Rowntree Park and relax while feeding the ducks.
Things to see
- Cobbled footpaths and independent shops galore in the Shambles, voted by you in our survey earlier this year as the UK’s prettiest street.
- York Minster – a true gothic masterpiece just waiting to be put on your Insta.
Top eats
- Have a sweet treat or two and munch on the delicious delights of Brew and Brownie. We’d highly recommend the Real Hot Chocolate and American Pancake Stack. Yum x 1000!
- Drink craft beers and dine like a king at the House of Trembling Madness.
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
Bath
Things to do
- Pay a visit to the world famous Roman Baths.
- Get your culture fix at the Victoria Art Gallery and Fashion Museum.
- Meander around the Royal Crescent, an 18th century hotspot home to over 30 gorgeous Georgian buildings.
Ways to save money
- If you live in the city or North East Somerset, you can now save even more with a Discovery Card. It’ll give you free access to the Roman Baths and Fashion Museum, every day, all year round. Nice!
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
Lake District
Things to do
- Get the walking boots at the ready and climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
- Whiz through beautiful forest trails and ride forest segways.
Things to see
- Vast lakes (Lake Buttermere and Lake Windermere are beauts) and Sound-of-Music-esque mountains.
- Journey back to your childhood at The World of Beatrix Potter.
Weird and wonderful
- Walk with wolves (don’t worry – it’s all perfectly safe!) in Ayside’s Predator Experience.
- Swing, climb, balance and fly through the sky on Windermere’s Treetop Trek Adventure.
Did you know? There’s actually another 14 National Parks dotted all over the UK!
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
Cornwall
Things to do
- Watch open air performances at the iconic Minack Theatre.
- Explore the amazing island world of St Michael’s Mount.
Top eats
- Enjoy a taste of Sydney at The Porthmeor Cafe.
- Dig into a legendary Cornish pasty at Philps Pasties. They are truly amazing!
Image credit: visitbritainimages.com
So, we think that confirms it. You can have an amazing time all over the UK without spending a bucketload! All’s left to ask is, where will you be going first? Let us know by sending a snap of the destination to @nationalexpress.
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