Budget-Friendly Breaks in the UK: Where to Go for Less

The big-hitting, super popular UK holiday destinations - we all know where they are - are always going to be the most expensive. However, there are plenty of stunning spots around the UK which are currently flying a little more under the radar. Get off the beaten track and head to one of these quieter and comparatively more affordable locations. The difference between staying in a popular holiday spot and somewhere less well known can be hundreds of pounds.

There are other benefits too. Choosing a less popular area is better for the environment, helping to relieve some of the pressure on our trampled, over-touristed regions. And you can dodge the queues. You’re more likely to find a parking spot, a seat in the pub, a restaurant table for dinner - while at the same time you’re bringing in tourist pounds to help out local businesses in quieter locations. Everyone’s a winner.

Here are a few suggestions for areas of the UK where you can find some great value getaways. These places have all the beauty, landscape and history of many of our more well-known UK holiday destinations, but for various different reasons are sometimes a little overlooked. They might not be dirt cheap (few places in the UK are), but we think overall they offer some excellent affordable options if you know where to look.

We’ve divided the areas up into countryside, cities and coast.

Remote, wild and beautiful, North Wales has always offered good value for money. It’s all about the landscape here, vast and sparsely populated. You’ve got epic beauty spots such as Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and the Isle of Anglesey, plus more mountains and gorgeous valleys than you can shake a stick at. If you enjoy hikes, panoramic views and miles of secluded countryside then this is the place for you.

Best places to go:

• Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – climb Yr Wyddfa or wander ferny valleys and mossy woodlands with cloud-draped peaks above.
• Isle of Anglesey – golden sweeps like Llanddwyn Beach, photogenic Beaumaris Castle, and seal-spotting shores.
• Betws-y-Coed – waterfalls, forest trails and cosy cafés tucked among pines.
• Llyn Peninsula – wild headlands, hidden coves and surf-washed sands that feel gloriously remote.

How to get to North Wales:

• By car – fastest via the A55 from Chester or Liverpool along the coast.
• By train – direct to Bangor or Llandudno Junction from London Euston via Crewe.
• By bus – National Express to Bangor or Caernarfon, then local routes for villages.
• By air – Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports within easy reach.

Look beyond the bright lights of Blackpool and the coast, and you’ll find a beautiful inland region of quiet Lancashire hills and ancient woodland. Head to the Forest of Bowland AONB and discover a landscape every bit as lovely as that of the adjoining Yorkshire Dales. Filled with fells, moorland, meadows and dotted with rural farms and villages of pretty stone-built cottages, it’s perfect for days spent hiking the hills and evenings with a pie and a pint in a friendly country pub.

Best places to go in Lancashire:

• Forest of Bowland AONB – heather moors, stone-walled lanes and picnic-perfect valleys.
• Ribble Valley (Clitheroe & Whalley) – farm shops, river walks and artisan markets.
• Pendle Hill – storied slopes, big-sky views and witch-trail folklore.
• Trough of Bowland – one of England’s most scenic, hush-quiet drives.

How to get to Lancashire:

• By car – take the M6 then A59 for Clitheroe and Bowland villages.
• By train – mainline to Preston or Lancaster, connections to Clitheroe.
• By bus – local services link market towns and AONB gateways.
• By air – Manchester Airport about 1–1.5 hours’ drive.

By-pass the crowds which throng the Lake District and head off into the wilds of Cumbria itself. It’s England’s least densely populated county and vast acres await. There are gems like the North Pennines to explore, a spectacular UNESCO protected area of heather, peatlands, and hillside hay meadows filled with wildflowers. Hadrian’s Wall ends on Cumbria’s west coast, there’s the Eden Valley with its lush green riverside walks, and there are bustling market towns like Brampton and Penrith, where you can potter around the shops and find a nice spot for lunch.

Best places to go in Cumbria:

• North Pennines AONB – high moorland, tumbling falls and the charming town of Alston.
• Eden Valley (Appleby) – lush riverside paths, ancient bridges and mellow-stone villages.
• Solway Coast AONB – dunes, big skies and prolific birdlife.
• Penrith & Brampton – handsome market towns close to Hadrian’s Wall.

How to get to Cumbria:

• By car – M6 to Penrith or Carlisle for easy access across rural Cumbria.
• By train – West Coast Main Line to Penrith (North Lakes) or Carlisle.
• By bus – rural routes connect Penrith, Keswick, Alston and nearby villages.
• By air – Newcastle or Manchester airports around two hours away.

Cumbria’s next door neighbour, Northumberland is an imposing land of forests, moorland and beaches. It has the other half of Hadrian’s Wall, plus more castles than any other county, a relic of its past as a battleground between England and Scotland. There are many beautiful places in the Tyne Valley, well-to-do villages with excellent cake shops and the ruins of Roman forts. Or head up to the moors with their huge skies and fast-flowing winds, bordered by Europe’s largest forest, Kielder and the enormous reservoir, Kielder Water. This northerly wilderness is a dream destination for outside adventures, spotting red squirrels, osprey and for stargazing.

Best places to go in Northumberland:

• Hadrian’s Wall – stride Roman ramparts and explore Housesteads and Vindolanda forts.
• Kielder Forest & Water – vast pines, mirror-calm reservoir and world-class stargazing.
• Alnwick & Bamburgh Castles – storybook strongholds above sweeping sands.
• Northumberland National Park – rolling heather hills and velvety dark skies.

How to get to Northumberland:

• By car – from Newcastle, take the A1 north (coast) or A69 west (Tyne Valley and Wall).
• By train – East Coast Main Line to Alnmouth or Berwick-upon-Tweed; Hexham for Hadrian’s Wall.
• By bus – Arriva and Go North East link coast, castles and market towns.
• By air – Newcastle International under an hour from many highlights.

A simply stunning region in Scotland’s south west corner, often overlooked by visitors in a hurry to head up north to Edinburgh or the Highlands. They are missing out. Dumfries and Galloway is everything you could want from a Scottish break, all rolled into one. It could equally be in our coast category, with its miles of fabulous unspoilt coastline, but this area is also filled with pristine lochs, forests, rolling hills and some of Europe’s clearest dark skies for stargazing. It’s home to the birthplace of Robert Burns, Britain’s only triangular castle and the Galloway Forest Park known as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’ for its magnificent scenery.

Best places to go in Dumfries & Galloway:

• Galloway Forest Park – “Highlands of the Lowlands”: mountain trails, mirror lochs and Dark Sky Park nights.
• Wigtown – Scotland’s National Book Town, teeming with characterful shops and cafés.
• Kirkcudbright – pastel harbour, artists’ galleries and evening promenades.
• Caerlaverock Castle – Britain’s only triangular fortress amid wild wetlands.

How to get to Dumfries & Galloway:

• By car – A75 sweeps across the region from Gretna to Stranraer.
• By train – services from Glasgow or Carlisle to Dumfries, with onward buses.
• By bus – Stagecoach routes connect coastal towns and forest gateways.
• By air – Glasgow Prestwick and Glasgow International around two hours away.

We’ve all been sleeping on Sheffield for far too long. Named second-best city break in the whole of Europe by Time Out in 2023, it’s the greenest city in the UK, with 250 parks and 4.5 million trees. It’s a fantastic place for foodies, with the largest purpose built food-hall in Europe, an annual food festival and a wealth of great local bars, cafes and restaurants. There are lots of cute independent shops, a thriving arts scene and the gorgeous Peak District just on the doorstep. All this while still remaining affordable.

Best places to go in Sheffield:

• The Peak District – escape into rolling green hills and charming stone villages right on the city’s doorstep.
• Kelham Island – Sheffield’s coolest quarter, full of craft breweries, indie eateries and urban art.
• The Winter Garden & Millennium Gallery – tranquil greenery and world-class art under glass domes.
• Ecclesall Road – buzzing with local cafés, boutiques and laid-back nightlife.

How to get to Sheffield:

• By car – easily reached via the M1; plenty of city centre car parks available.
• By train – direct services from London, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham.
• By bus – National Express and Megabus connect Sheffield with major UK cities.
• By air – closest airports are Doncaster Sheffield (limited), Manchester and East Midlands.

Sitting pretty in a loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a quirky market town stuffed full of with half-timbered buildings, churches and old world charm. It’s been flying under the radar for years, but iit’s one of Britain’s best kept secrets no longer - it was named one of the top 10 coolest postcodes to relocate to in 2024 by Sunday Times Style Magazine. This lovely little spot is home to some delightful riverside walks, great places for food and access to the beautiful blue remembered Shropshire Hills.

Best places to go in Shrewsbury:

• Shrewsbury Castle & Museum – discover the town’s rich history and stunning views from the castle grounds.
• The Quarry Park – peaceful riverside park ideal for picnics and strolls.
• Wyle Cop – England’s longest uninterrupted row of independent shops.
• Shropshire Hills AONB – rolling landscapes and walking trails just outside town.

How to get to Shrewsbury:

• By car – located off the A5 and A49; parking available near the town centre.
• By train – direct routes from Birmingham, Manchester, and Chester.
• By bus – National Express and local buses serve the town and surrounding villages.
• By air – Birmingham Airport around 1.5 hours away by car or train.

Norwich is a hidden gem which offers good value for money. It’s friendly, compact and walkable, with a medieval town centre, attractive cobbled streets and a Gothic cathedral. It makes a great jumping off point to explore the rest of Norfolk. You can catch the train to the lovely seaside towns of Cromer and Sherringham, or spend the day exploring the beautiful Norfolk Broads and be back in town in time for dinner and a movie.

Best places to go in Norwich:

• Norwich Cathedral – iconic spire, cloisters and peaceful gardens.
• Elm Hill – postcard-perfect cobbled street lined with antique shops and cafés.
• Norfolk Broads – hire a boat for a day trip through waterways and nature reserves.
• Cromer & Sheringham – classic seaside escapes just a train ride away.

How to get to Norwich:

• By car – accessible via the A11 from Cambridge or A47 from Great Yarmouth.
• By train – direct services from London Liverpool Street, Cambridge and Nottingham.
• By bus – regular services connect with coastal towns and Norfolk villages.
• By air – Norwich International Airport just 15 minutes from the city centre.

OK, hear us out. Hull’s long had a bad rap, but that’s now totally out of date. Did you know Hull has an awesome and very tasty street food market, stuffed with local delicacies sold by independent traders? There’s an award-winning aquarium and marine research centre housed in a striking contemporary building called The Deep. There’s a rich maritime history, lots of galleries and museums, and an old town of winding lanes, river views and historic old pubs. And it’s still Britain's cheapest city break.

Best places to go in Hull:

• The Deep – futuristic aquarium and marine research centre.
• Humber Street Market – buzzing food stalls and local traders by the marina.
• Hull Old Town – winding streets, heritage pubs and cobbled charm.
• Streetlife Museum of Transport – hands-on exhibits in a lively setting.

How to get to Hull:

• By car – via the M62 or A63, with easy access from Leeds and York.
• By train – direct links to London, Manchester and Sheffield.
• By bus – National Express coaches from across the UK stop in Hull city centre.
• By air – Humberside Airport 30 minutes away; Leeds Bradford and Doncaster Sheffield also nearby.

Beautiful, historic, but somehow also affordable, Britain’s smallest city has it all. Buried in the Somerset countryside at the foot of the Mendips, Wells is a little jewel famous for its magnificent cathedral, and for the adjoining Vicar’s Close, the only complete medieval street left in England. It may be petite, but it’s packed with glorious ancient buildings, cute spots for lunch and peaceful parks and gardens. The wonderfully-named Wookie Hole is only a short hop away and Glastonbury is just down the road.

Best places to go in Wells:

• Wells Cathedral – exquisite Gothic architecture and serene cloisters.
• Vicar’s Close – the only complete medieval street left in England.
• Bishop’s Palace & Gardens – tranquil moat, gardens and ancient walls.
• Wookey Hole Caves – a quirky and family-friendly adventure nearby.

How to get to Wells:

• By car – follow the A39 or A371; parking near the cathedral or market square.
• By train – nearest station is Castle Cary (30 mins by taxi or bus).
• By bus – local routes connect Wells with Bath, Bristol and Glastonbury.
• By air – Bristol Airport around 40 minutes away.

A handsome little city in central Scotland, less than an hour by train from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Stirling is often missed off the tourist trail, but it’s a lovely riverfront spot well worth a visit, with its craggy medieval castle, the William Wallace Monument and some pretty reasonably priced holiday accommodation. Spend your days exploring the town, or follow the River Forth to the sea and explore the famous Firth of Forth, or head northward for a tramp along the picturesque Fife Coastal Path.

Best places to go in Stirling:

• Stirling Castle – commanding views and fascinating royal history.
• The Wallace Monument – climb to the top for panoramic vistas.
• Old Town – cobbled streets and traditional Scottish charm.
• Fife Coastal Path – scenic walking route easily reached from Stirling.

How to get to Sterling:

• By car – just off the M9, easily reached from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
• By train – regular services between Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
• By bus – city links to Falkirk, Perth and Dundee.
• By air – Edinburgh and Glasgow airports both around 45 minutes away.

The Northumbrian coast is one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. And most of the time it’s practically empty. The seaside towns of Alnmouth, Seahouses, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed are all pretty affordable compared to many other UK coastal areas, and make great bases from which to explore the sweeping beaches of pristine white sand, impressive castles and mystical islands filled with ruined churches, and seal and puffin colonies.

Best places to go in North Northumberland:

• Bamburgh Castle – a breathtaking fortress towering over vast golden sands.
• Holy Island of Lindisfarne – tidal island with ancient monastery ruins and wild coastal views.
• Seahouses Harbour – gateway to the Farne Islands, home to seals and puffins.
• Alnmouth & Alnwick – colourful seaside village and nearby market town with the stunning Alnwick Castle.

How to get to North Northumberland:

• By car – follow the A1 north from Newcastle or south from Edinburgh; coastal roads lead to key towns.
• By train – East Coast Main Line stops at Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick (via bus).
• By bus – local Arriva routes connect coastal towns and villages.
• By air – Newcastle International Airport just over an hour away.

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A gorgeous and great value stretch of the North Wales coastline. It houses the lovely little waterside towns of Conwy, which contains both a large castle and Britain’s smallest house, and Llandudno. Located on the Creuddyn Peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea, Llandudno is a classic seaside spot, with elegant Victorian architecture, an old-fashioned pier and also a herd of wild goats which sometimes visit the town. What more could you ask for?

Best places to go in Conwy:

• Conwy Castle & Town Walls – medieval fortress with sweeping estuary views.
• Britain’s Smallest House – quirky red cottage on the quay, perfect for a quick photo stop.
• Llandudno Pier – classic seaside fun with arcades and views across the bay.
• Great Orme Country Park – walk or take the tram up for dramatic coastal scenery.

How to get to Conwy:

• By car – A55 runs along the coast, linking Llandudno and Conwy with the rest of North Wales.
• By train – direct services from Manchester and Chester to Llandudno Junction.
• By bus – local buses connect Conwy, Llandudno and surrounding villages.
• By air – Manchester and Liverpool airports around 2 hours away.

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The North Yorkshire coast comes with handsome seaside towns, rugged cliffs and moody views over the North Sea. Locations like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay are increasingly popular, and, although still offering pretty decent value, have seen prices on the rise of late. However there are still bargains to be found in nearby places like the grand old dame Scarborough, Britain’s first seaside resort and still imbued with plenty of faded charm, and the village of Filey, with its magnificent five mile long sandy beach.

Best places to go in North Yorkshire:

• Whitby – historic harbour town with abbey ruins and literary links to Dracula.
• Robin Hood’s Bay – steep cobbled streets and smuggler’s cottages tumbling to the sea.
• Scarborough – grand old resort with twin bays, castle ruins and classic seaside amusements.
• Filey – family-friendly vibe and a stunning five-mile-long sandy beach.

How to get to North Yorkshire:

• By car – follow the A64 from York or A171 from Middlesbrough.
• By train – regular services from York and Leeds to Scarborough; connections to Whitby.
• By bus – Coastliner and local services link all major resorts.
• By air – Leeds Bradford Airport around 2 hours’ drive.

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A simply magical location, you’ll find world-famous landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway, towering castles, clifftop walks and stunning spots like the Dark Hedges (an avenue of beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones). All of this, plus spectacular Atlantic surf beaches and pretty seaside towns and villages like Ballycastle and Ballintoy Harbour. Visit County Antrim while it’s still affordable!

Best places to go in County Antrim:

• Giant’s Causeway – UNESCO World Heritage site of hexagonal basalt columns.
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – dramatic coastal crossing with sweeping views.
• Dark Hedges – hauntingly beautiful avenue of beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones.
• Ballycastle & Ballintoy Harbour – charming coastal villages with Atlantic views.

How to get to County Antrim:

• By car – from Belfast take the M2 then A26 north towards Ballymoney and the Causeway Coast.
• By train – regular services from Belfast to Coleraine and Ballymoney.
• By bus – Translink buses serve coastal towns including Portrush and Ballycastle.
• By air – Belfast International and City airports under 90 minutes away.

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With its golden beaches, secret coves and rugged cliffs they’re calling Pembrokeshire the new (and more affordable) Cornwall. Located in the south western corner of Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park makes up about a third of the region. The simply spectacular coastal path takes you along 186 miles of beautiful coastline overlooking limestone stacks, tiny islands and hidden beaches. You’ll find bustling seaside towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot in the south, and head northward for the slightly quieter St Davids and Fishguard.

Best places to go in Pembrokeshire:

• Pembrokeshire Coast Path – spectacular 186-mile route along cliffs and beaches.
• Tenby – colourful harbour town with sandy beaches and cobbled streets.
• Saundersfoot – lively seaside resort perfect for families and seafood lovers.
• St Davids & Fishguard – peaceful northern gems with cathedrals, cliffs and artist studios.

How to get to Pembrokeshire:

• By car – follow the M4 then A40 into Pembrokeshire; A478 connects key towns.
• By train – direct services from Cardiff and Swansea to Tenby, Pembroke and Fishguard.
• By bus – local routes link coastal villages and National Park spots.
• By air – Cardiff Airport around 2.5 hours’ drive from Tenby.

As you would expect, if you’re able to book off-season, mid-week and outside the school holidays, you can find better deals.

For our money September and early October are a good bet, with a fair chance of fine weather and a lazy, end of season feel. Or for the very cheapest getaways, pack jumpers and wellies and enjoy a snug, chilly break in November, early December, post-NYE January, and February.

The last two weeks of the school summer hols can also be (slightly) more affordable. Late summer is good for a Scottish holiday, as schools in Scotland break up and go back earlier than the rest of the UK, meaning there’s less pressure on the last two weeks of August. And conversely if you’re in Scotland and want to head to England or Wales, take advantage of those early July weeks before the Sassenach schools break up.

If you’re up for a last minute escape, you can find lots of excellent deals on Coolstays last minute deals page. From next weekend to up to three weeks away, we have a wide range of handpicked properties offering big discounts. You can search by number of guests, budget, facilities and locations such as ‘by the sea’ ‘dog friendly’ or ‘hot tubs’. If you’re super spontaneous you can find as much as 50% off some next-day stays, available due to cancellations and last minute availability.