18 budget-friendly ways to explore England

From stunning cliffside beaches and charming villages to lively cities and historic landmarks, England offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. However, it can also be a rather pricey destination, especially regarding accommodations, tours and sightseeing.

The good news? Many of England’s museums, natural wonders, and heritage sites are free to visit. Public transport can be budget-friendly when planned ahead, and there are plenty of economical dining options available, from traditional pub meals to classic takeaway fish and chips.

Even London, known for being one of the priciest cities in Europe, can be navigated on a budget with some careful planning. Beyond the major tourist spots, the rest of England becomes significantly more affordable, making off-the-beaten-path adventures particularly rewarding.

Prepare to discover the land of rolling hills, ancient castles, and breathtaking white cliffs with these top money-saving tips and a guide to daily expenses.

Typical daily expenses in England

Hostel room: £15–30 (dormitory bed) Hotel room for two: £100 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): £70 Camping site: £20–30 Single bus fare: £2.80 (can exceed £6 in rural areas) Coffee: £3 Takeaway sandwich: £3 Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: £30–50 Pint at the pub: £4–6 Takeaway fish and chips: £10 Pub lunch: £12.50–25

Overall average daily cost per person: £50–150

Keep in mind that travel expenses—especially accommodation—vary greatly across England depending on the location. Prices in London and other major cities are typically much higher than in smaller towns or rural regions.

Determine which London airport offers the best flight deals

London boasts six primary airports, but the transportation costs to the city center or beyond can differ significantly. To find the cheapest airport to fly into in England, consider the additional travel expenses to your final destination.

Heathrow, the largest and busiest airport in London, is accessible via the Piccadilly Line and the new Elizabeth Line on the London Underground, allowing travel into central London for as low as £5.60. Buses from Heathrow Central Bus Station also offer economical connections to the rest of England.

Gatwick, the second largest airport, directly competes with Heathrow for several routes, often leading to lower airfares. Although it’s not on the London Underground, there’s a train station and a bus station with services into central London starting from £13.30 and £7, respectively. It also has solid connections to other areas of England, particularly in the south.

London's Luton, Southend, and Stansted airports serve as key hubs for budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, although they require a longer travel time to reach central London. Conversely, London City Airport, situated in the heart of the city, is typically the most expensive option but offers inexpensive and convenient onward travel within the city.

Be sure to explore other airport options

If your future travel plans allow, flying into London may not always be the most economical choice. Manchester Airport ranks as the third largest in the UK, offering flights to over 200 destinations globally. Similar to Heathrow and Gatwick, the range of available flights can foster competition among airlines, leading to reduced fares.

Smaller airports across England may offer more convenient access for traveling to other regions. For instance, Bristol and Newquay airports are much nearer to Southwest England compared to London airports, while Birmingham Airport could be a more suitable choice for the Midlands.

Don’t forget to consider the costs of onward travel, as these can significantly influence your overall travel expenses. For example, if you plan to visit the Lake District, trains from London Heathrow to Oxenholme station take nearly 10 hours and start at £114.20. In contrast, trains from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme take just 1 hour and 39 minutes and begin at £6.50.

To secure the best flight deal, it’s wise to broaden your search to encompass all English airports and examine onward travel options before making a decision.

Evaluate your transportation choices

Regrettably, public transport isn’t always the most affordable or efficient way to navigate England. While most cities and towns have reliable bus networks, many rural areas and smaller towns suffer from limited or nonexistent public transport services, and intercity train fares can be steep.

Train fares in England are often quite steep, but you can significantly lower costs by traveling off-peak and booking tickets approximately 12 weeks in advance. Be sure to check and compare train schedules and ticket options on National Rail. If you anticipate frequent train travel, consider getting a National Rail annual railcard to save money.

For budget-conscious travelers, the most economical way to navigate England is by coach, although journey times tend to be longer compared to trains or cars, and routes might not always be the most convenient. Booking bus tickets directly is typically cheaper: the primary operators are National Express and Megabus, both of which offer competitive rates.

If you're planning to visit several destinations or head to areas with limited public transport options, driving could be the most convenient method of getting around. According to Kayak, the average cost for car rental in the UK is £43 per day, though rates can drop as low as £16 daily.

Secure your transport in advance for the best rates

If you intend to use public transport to travel across England, booking your tickets ahead of time is typically the most cost-effective strategy. Advance train tickets can be nearly 50% cheaper, and Trainline claims that its users save an average of 61% when they book in advance.

Train tickets can generally be reserved about 12 weeks prior to departure, while National Express, the UK's largest coach service, offers bus tickets for sale up to a year ahead of time.

Discover free parking options

Park & Ride facilities located on the outskirts of towns and cities often provide free parking when you purchase a bus ticket into the city center. This option is typically much more affordable than paying for parking in the city center, especially with the increasing prevalence of congestion charges in busy areas.

Where permitted, street parking in England is often free, although it's usually limited in duration and rarely available in city or town centers. Apps like AppyParking and Parkopedia can assist you in locating free parking spots.

Travel during spring or autumn for the best deals

From June to August, the UK experiences its peak tourist season. During these months, travel expenses, particularly for accommodation, can skyrocket, along with costs during school and public holidays. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October tend to be much quieter and more affordable times to visit. The weather is typically mild, though it can be unpredictable with a higher chance of rain compared to summer.

The off-peak season in England runs from November to March, making it the most affordable time to visit (excluding Christmas). However, many outdoor attractions and summer-oriented sites may close during winter, especially in coastal areas.

Try to avoid traveling during school and bank holidays

School and public holidays are peak travel times in England, often leading to substantial price hikes. To save on costs, it's advisable to steer clear of these holiday periods, which occur every six to seven weeks, if possible.

While specific dates vary by region, the longest holiday stretch typically runs from late July through August, along with two additional weeks during Christmas and Easter. There are also 'half-term' breaks lasting one to two weeks, commonly in February, May, and October.

Moreover, England observes eight Bank Holidays throughout the year, with extra days sometimes added for significant national events like Royal weddings and funerals.

Take advantage of England’s free attractions

For budget travelers exploring England, there are many free attractions available. All national parks allow free entry, as do most natural sites such as woodlands, country parks, lakes, and beaches. Additionally, the country boasts miles of public footpaths, bridleways, and long-distance walking and biking trails that are free to enjoy.

Numerous museums and art galleries provide free admission, and many that charge typically host a monthly free-entry day. Churches and cathedrals generally welcome visitors at no cost, though some may request donations.

Enjoy 2-for-1 deals on attractions with National Rail

The National Rail Days Out program grants 2-for-1 tickets at over 300 attractions throughout England when you travel by train. There’s a wide range of attractions to choose from, including aquariums, zoos, football stadiums, museums, gardens, and cinemas. Just present your train ticket upon entry to claim your discount.

Become a member of English Heritage and/or the National Trust

Many of England's premier heritage sites, scenic locations, and historical attractions are overseen by the National Trust or English Heritage. Notable sites include Stonehenge and Dover Castle under English Heritage, while the National Trust cares for over 500 gardens, nature reserves, and historic homes like Agatha Christie’s former residence, Greenway House in Devon.

Both organizations provide annual memberships that grant free entry to all their attractions, along with free parking at various sites. They also offer temporary memberships for international visitors, which can be a great investment if you plan to visit multiple locations.

Seek out discounts for students, seniors, groups, and families

Numerous attractions across England provide discounts for students, children (typically those under 18), and seniors (generally those 60 and older). Some locations also offer budget-friendly packages for groups and families, so it’s wise to research the best deals online before your trip.

Look for online discounts

Coupons and promotional offers are quite common in England. When planning to visit an attraction or restaurant, be sure to check their social media for any ongoing deals. Additionally, local Facebook groups and newspapers often share information about special offers in the area.

You can also subscribe to websites that specialize in deals to uncover discounts on outings, dining, and more. Popular options for finding UK travel deals include Groupon and HotUKDeals.

Reserve accommodations at budget hotels

Lodging can be one of the largest expenses while traveling in England. Budget hotel chains like Premier Inn, Travelodge, and Holiday Inn Express provide comfortable rooms (albeit somewhat generic) at reasonable rates. Guesthouses and B&Bs often offer a more affordable and charming alternative to traditional hotels.

Accommodations located on the outskirts of towns and cities can often be more affordable than those in the heart of the city. However, ensure there are reliable public transport options available before making a reservation, as taxi fares can quickly eat into your savings.

Don’t forget that hostels cater to more than just backpackers

The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) operates hostels throughout England, some located in remarkable buildings, including castles! These provide budget-friendly dormitory-style lodging for backpackers, but they also offer a variety of accommodations suitable for all types of travelers. Groups can reserve an entire dorm or even the whole facility, and many hostels feature private rooms, family rooms, camping spots, cabins, and even glamping options.

Explore England’s caravan parks

Static caravan holiday parks are widely popular across England, especially near tourist attractions along the coast or in scenic countryside areas. These can be a very cost-effective choice, particularly for groups or families, although prices tend to increase significantly during summer holidays. Many parks provide amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Pitchup is a useful website for searching and booking holiday parks, caravan sites, campsites, and glamping options throughout the UK. Do note that some holiday parks require direct booking through their own channels.

Savor a delicious meal out without breaking the bank

England's reputation for high prices and poor food is somewhat exaggerated. There’s plenty of excellent cuisine available, from locally sourced dishes at country pubs to fresh seafood along the extensive coastline. Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular in cities and tourist areas, offering tasty takeaway meals for under £10. Don’t forget about the iconic fish and chips, which typically costs around £10 and is best enjoyed on the beach at sunset for a budget-friendly dinner.

When dining indoors, pubs are often more affordable than restaurants and many serve high-quality food alongside local ales, ciders, and other beverages. Look for gastro-pubs that focus more on dining than drinking, where you can expect to pay about £12–20 for a main course, or even less if there’s a special offer available.

Think about getting a Tastecard

You might want to consider a Tastecard, which provides dining discounts like 2-for-1 meals at various restaurants across the UK, including popular chains like Pizza Hut, Prezzo, and Giraffe. At £34.99 per year, it’s best suited for long stays in England or if you plan to use it frequently during your trip.

Opt for self-catering accommodations and shop at budget supermarkets

Eating out can quickly add up, so consider self-catering options where you can cook your own meals and save money.

The most affordable supermarkets are Aldi and Lidl, though most brands often have great promotions. Supermarkets also offer convenient and inexpensive lunch options, like a “meal deal” that includes a sandwich, snack, and drink, or you can assemble a picnic to enjoy while exploring England.

Enjoy meals out during the week

Pubs and restaurants typically offer the best prices on weekdays. Many places provide fixed-price menus or special offers like 2-for-1 main courses that aren't available on weekends.