Ever dream of strolling along cobblestone streets in London, hiking dramatic Peak District, or sipping tea in some quaint Cotswold village, but it sounded very expensive? Don’t worry, fellow budget traveler! Let this blog be your compass to navigate England on a budget.
Join me as I show you tips and tricks on how to maximize your adventure while you minimize your expenses. Find with me the free attractions to scoring cheap eats that are the real hidden gems of this beautiful country without breaking a budget. Lets go on a journey to prove that unforgettable doesn’t have to mean an insurmountable budget.
Just think of viewing the Tower of London without paying the admission charge, or having a picnic lunch you have packed yourself as you hike through the Lake District National Park. Find the fun in uncovering those cozy, lower-priced accommodations and the treats to try of local food at inexpensive prices. This blog will show you how to enjoy the best of England without blowing your financial goals.
Whether you’re an old pro at backpacking or just going to England for the first time, I’ll be giving real advice-from transportation and accommodation to what to eat and see-on how one can travel on a broke budget. I will share favorite budget-friendly hostels, what to do and see off the beaten path, and insider knowledge on how to cut costs on transportation. Together, we will come across the magic of England on a broke budget.
How to get there:
From France:
- Eurostar: This high-speed train service offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel between London and Paris. You can also connect to other European cities via the Eurostar network.
- Ferry: If you prefer a more scenic journey, consider taking a ferry from Calais or Dunkirk to Dover. This option allows you to enjoy the sea breeze and perhaps even spot some marine wildlife.
From Ireland:
- Ferry: The most common way to travel between Ireland and England is by ferry. Services are available from Dublin to Holyhead and Liverpool, as well as from Belfast to Cairnryan.
From Belgium:
- Eurostar: As with France, the Eurostar is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between Belgium and England.
- Bus: There are also bus services available from Brussels to London, offering a more affordable option.
From the Netherlands:
Ferry: You can also take a ferry from Rotterdam to Hull.
Eurostar: The Eurostar operates between Amsterdam and London, providing a high-speed connection.
When to go:
Shoulder Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
- Why: These seasons offer a sweet spot between the peak summer months and the quiet winter. You’ll enjoy milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices on accommodations and flights.
- What to Expect: Expect pleasant temperatures, stunning foliage in autumn, and fewer tourists at popular attractions.
Winter (November-March)
- Why: Winter is the off-peak season, offering the lowest prices on flights, accommodations, and attractions.
- What to Expect: Colder temperatures, shorter days, and fewer daylight hours. However, you can enjoy cozy pubs, festive markets, and fewer crowds at popular destinations.
Summer (June-August)
What to Expect: Warm temperatures, long days, and crowded attractions. If you’re willing to pay a premium, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and lively events that England has to offer during this time.
Why: Summer is the peak tourist season, offering the best weather but also the highest prices.
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary: London Highlights
- Day 1: Explore Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park. Visit the British Museum for free and enjoy a picnic in Hyde Park.
- Day 2: Walk along the Thames River and visit the Tower of London (consider free admission days). Explore Borough Market for affordable food and souvenirs.
- Day 3: Visit Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Enjoy a free walking tour of Covent Garden or Shoreditch.
1-Week Itinerary: London and the Cotswolds
- Days 1-3: Explore London as outlined in the 3-day itinerary.
- Day 4: Take a day trip to the Cotswolds. Visit charming villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury.
- Day 5: Explore Oxford and visit the Ashmolean Museum for free.
- Day 6: Visit Bath and explore the Roman Baths (consider free admission days).
- Day 7: Spend your last day in London, visiting any remaining attractions or relaxing in a park.
2-Week Itinerary: London, the Lake District, and Yorkshire
- Days 1-5: Explore London as outlined in the 1-week itinerary.
- Day 6: Take a train to the Lake District. Explore Lake Windermere and hike in the Langdale Valley.
- Day 7: Visit the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery for free and enjoy a boat trip on Derwentwater.
- Day 8: Take a train to York. Explore the York Minster and walk along the City Walls.
- Day 9: Visit the Yorkshire Museum for free and explore the Shambles.
- Day 10: Take a day trip to North Yorkshire Moors National Park and hike to Goathland (the fictional “Aidensfield” from the TV show “Heartbeat”).
- Days 11-12: Return to London and explore any remaining attractions.
1-Month Itinerary: England and Scotland
- Weeks 1-2: Explore London and the Cotswolds as outlined in the 1-week itinerary.
- Week 3: Take a train to Edinburgh. Explore Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile.
- Week 4: Visit Loch Ness and try to spot the Loch Ness Monster. Explore Highlands National Park and hike to Ben Nevis.
- Week 5: Take a train to Glasgow. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for free and explore Glasgow Cathedral.
3-Month Itinerary: England, Scotland, and Wales
Month 3: Take a train to Wales. Explore Snowdonia National Park and hike to Snowdon. Visit Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle.
Month 1: Explore London, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District as outlined in the 2-week itinerary.
Month 2: Explore Scotland as outlined in the 1-month itinerary.
Transportation:
England has a well-developed public transportation network, making it easy to get around without a car. From buses and trains to trams and underground tubes, there are plenty of options for travelers.
Types of Public Transportation
- Trains: England’s train network is extensive, with routes connecting major cities and rural areas.
- Buses: Buses are a affordable option for shorter journeys and rural areas.
- Underground (Tube): London’s metro system is efficient and convenient.
- Trams: Trams operate in several cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, and Nottingham.
- Coaches: Long-distance coaches connect major cities and towns.
Train Travel
- National Rail: The main train operator, with routes across England.
- Train Operators: Private companies like Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway, and Northern Rail.
- Train Passes: Options like BritRail and Railcard for discounted travel.
Bus Travel
- National Express: Long-distance coach services connecting major cities.
- Local Buses: Regional bus operators like Stagecoach and First Bus.
- Bus Passes: Affordable options like the National Express Coachcard.
Underground (Tube) Travel
- London Underground: The metro system serving London.
- Tube Maps: Plan your route with the iconic Tube map.
- Oyster Cards: Pay-as-you-go travel with a reusable card.
Tram Travel
- Tram Networks: Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, and other cities have tram systems.
- Tram Passes: Affordable travel options like the System One pass.
Coach Travel
Coach Passes: Discounted travel with a National Express Coachcard.
National Express: Long-distance coaches connecting major cities.
Top things to do:
London:
- Explore Covent Garden and Camden Market (free)
- Visit the British Museum (free)
- Walk along the South Bank of the Thames (free)
- See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (free)
- Take a street art tour of Shoreditch (free)
- Visit the Tate Modern art museum (free)
- Explore Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (free)
- See a play at Shakespeare’s Globe (£5-£10)
- Visit the Natural History Museum (free)
- Explore the trendy neighborhood of Notting Hill (free)
North England:
- Hike in the Lake District (free)
- Visit the Beatles Story exhibition in Liverpool (£16)
- Explore the streets of Manchester and visit the John Rylands Library (free)
- See the Angel of the North in Gateshead (free)
- Visit the medieval city of York and walk along the city walls (free)
- Explore the scenic coastline of Northumberland (free)
- Visit the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne (free)
- See the stunning waterfalls of the Yorkshire Dales (free)
- Visit the historic city of Durham and the Durham Cathedral (£5-£10)
- Explore the picturesque town of Whitby (free)
South England:
- Visit Stonehenge (£15)
- Explore the historic city of Bath and visit the Roman Baths (£17)
- Hike in the Cotswolds (free)
- Visit the iconic White Cliffs of Dover (free)
- See the mysterious Avebury Stone Circle (free)
- Explore the scenic coastline of Cornwall (free)
- Visit the historic city of Southampton and the SeaCity Museum (£8)
- See the stunning New Forest National Park (free)
- Visit the historic city of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (£15)
- Explore the scenic coastline of Devon (free)
East England:
- Visit the University of Cambridge and take a punting tour (£20)
- Explore the historic city of Norwich and visit the Norwich Cathedral (free)
- See the iconic Ely Cathedral (free)
- Visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (free)
- Take a walk along the Norfolk Broads (free)
- Explore the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove (free)
- Visit the historic city of Colchester and the Colchester Castle (£7)
- See the stunning coastline of East Sussex (free)
- Visit the historic city of Canterbury and the Canterbury Cathedral (£10)
- Explore the scenic coastline of Kent (free)
West England:
Explore the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye (free)
Visit the historic city of Bristol and explore the harbor (free)
See the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge (free)
Explore the stunning Cheddar Gorge (free)
Visit the ancient stone circle of Avebury (free)
Take a surf lesson in Cornwall (£20)
Visit the historic city of Gloucester and the Gloucester Cathedral (£5-£10)
Explore the scenic coastline of Somerset (free)
See the stunning waterfalls of the Welsh Marches (free)
Visit the historic city of Hereford and the Hereford Cathedral (£5-£10)
Beaches:
South Coast:
- Brighton Beach, East Sussex
- Hove Beach, East Sussex
- Eastbourne Beach, East Sussex
- Hastings Beach, East Sussex
- Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
- Poole Beach, Dorset
- Swanage Beach, Dorset
- Weymouth Beach, Dorset
- Lyme Regis Beach, Dorset
- Chesil Beach, Dorset
Cornwall:
- St Ives Harbour Beach
- Porthmeor Beach
- Pedn Vounder Beach
- Praa Sands Beach
- Falmouth Beach
- Newquay Beach
- Watergate Bay Beach
- Mawgan Porth Beach
- Padstow Beach
- Polzeath Beach
Devon:
- Woolacombe Beach
- Croyde Beach
- Saunton Sands Beach
- Exmouth Beach
- Sidmouth Beach
- Seaton Beach
- Torquay Beach
- Paignton Beach
- Brixham Beach
- Dartmouth Beach
East Coast:
- Great Yarmouth Beach, Norfolk
- Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk
- Cromer Beach, Norfolk
- Southwold Beach, Suffolk
- Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk
- Felixstowe Beach, Suffolk
- Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
- Frinton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
- Walton-on-the-Naze Beach, Essex
- Mersea Island Beach, Essex
North Coast:
- St Bees Beach, Cumbria
- Whitehaven Beach, Cumbria
- Allonby Beach, Cumbria
- Silloth Beach, Cumbria
- Blackpool Beach, Lancashire
- Lytham St Annes Beach, Lancashire
- Morecambe Beach, Lancashire
- Scarborough Beach, North Yorkshire
- Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
- Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Food:
While England is seldom thought of as a gourmet’s paradise, it does have its own charm for both the traditional and the modern palate. From fun-filled breakfasts to hearty lunches and warm dinners, comfort food appears to be the order of the day in English cuisine. And not to forget, of course, the sweets: scones, cakes, and pastries.
One of the things truly great about England and her food is the usage of local and seasonal ingredients. Be it fresh seafood, succulent meats, or crunchy vegetables, the quality of ingredients used in each dish can be felt and tasted. And with the amount of love this country has for gardening and allotments, you’re definitely getting the best of the best.
No trip to England would be complete, of course, without trying some of its most famous and traditional dishes: fish and chips, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, or full English breakfasts. But then there is the cozy welcoming pubs that serve up some of the best food and drink in the country.
But England’s food landscape isn’t all about traditional dishes; it’s also about modern twists and innovative chefs. From Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy street food markets, there’s something for every taste and budget.
And then, of course, there are the sweet treats. England is known for their love affair with tea and cake, and with good reason: scones with clotted cream and jam to rich chocolate cakes, there’s no shortage of sweet delights.
Overall, the food of England is the real expression of the nature of this country: warm and invitingly welcoming. So come for the history, stay for the food-your taste buds will thank you!
Culture:
England is a land of immense and diverse culture that dates back thousands of years, wherein tradition and modernity keep an excellent balance. From the hustling metropolises of urban England to the beautiful countryside, England is steeped in its history and heritage, always changing and evolving.
The backbone of English culture is steeped in community and social bonding. From a pint down at the local pub to a Sunday roast with family and friends, or even a day out at a music festival, the English love to get together and spend time in each other’s company.
Music and arts feature hugely in English culture, with world-renowned institutions like the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the National Theatre. From classical composers to rock bands, England has produced some of the most influential musicians: Elgar, Vaughan Williams, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, just to name a few.
Not only that, but England is also very well known for its literature, with iconic authors normally coming from the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens, who have helped shape and mold many forms of the way others view England’s history of literature. Today, England still manages to produce phenomenal writers, poets, and playwrights who are celebrated around the world.
Sport is again a feature of the integral features of English culture, where football or soccer is one national obsession: from Manchester United and Liverpool-the leading parts of the Premier League-to the tiny village teams, this is what brings all people together.
Of course, no discussion of the culture of England would be complete without mentioning the love of tea and cake in the country. Whether it is an afternoon tea with scones and jam that is traditionally set up or just the latest idea, like mixing teas into cocktails, the English know how to enjoy a good cuppa.
From the sublime landscapes to vibrant cities, England is a country buzzing with life, energy, and creativity. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or sport, this incredible country has got it all. So now come and experience it yourself-you will not be disappointed!
Accommodations:
England is one of the most popular destinations among tourists all over the world. And what happens when accommodations come into play? Hostels are a very good option for budget travelers. But in England, how does the situation look like in terms of hostels?
Well, let me tell you-it’s like a mixed bag. You get these sleek and modern hostels with all the bells and whistles, and then you have your older, maybe a bit more rugged, ones that are a bit rough around the edges. But, hey, that’s all part of the charm, right?
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that most hostels in England can get a bit pricey, especially if you’re planning to go to places like London. No big deal; there’s a way to be able to find fairly affordable places. My advice? Book the cheapest! Yes, you heard right-the cheapest hostels are usually the best. They will not have all of the fancy amenities, but they have character and are a great way to meet others traveling.
And believe me, you’ll want to meet other travelers. England is a country that’s all about community and social bonding, and hostels are just the place to experience it. Whether you’re sharing a room with strangers or hanging in the common room, you’ll make friends in no time.
Of course, the disadvantages do include that hostels tend to be a tad noisy now and then, especially if someone is a light sleeper. Two, the bathrooms can be rather interesting ( for all the females reading this pls stop using the hostel bathroom for your 2 hour morning routine thx). But hey, that’s all part of the hostel experience, right?
Overall, it’s wonderful to meet new people and enjoy the local culture in England, which is also the case with their hostels. Remember: book the cheap ones and do not be afraid of a little wild night. Happy travels!
Nightlife:
England, is not behind in letting its nightlife lag. From noisy cities to quiet towns, each type of night life is possible in England.
Come night, and England becomes something of a party animal’s dream. Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham burst into life with bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can be sure of everything from fashionably hip cocktail bars to very underground dance clubs and from tiny, cozy jazz clubs to loud and crazy pubs.
But there’s more to nightlife in England than cities. Most of the small towns are also a happening place for night lovers, mainly because of the presence of many bars and pubs, with live music and events organized in them. Then, of course, come the festivals: England is known world over for its music festivals that happen throughout the summer months.
The best thing about nightlife in England is that it’s so different. Everything is there: from bars to clubs and rave parties-just everything one might want and for every taste and style. If you enjoy rock, pop, and hip-hop, you will have your place in England; electronic music lovers, too.
And then there are the people. Nightlife in England all centers around socializing and having a good time: friendly locals and travelers alike, united in their love of music and a good time.
Of course, like any country, one does have some downsides to England’s nightlife: there are areas that are a little rough around the edges, and drink prices can be steep. Overall, though, England’s nightlife is something one simply must experience upon coming to this country.
If one is looking to have a really great night out, look no further than England. Vibrant cities and quaint towns further mixed with diversified nightlife will guarantee one heck of a time. Just remember to pace yourself and not forget to enjoy the ride!
Backpacking England costs:
Daily Budget:
- Accommodation: £5-£10 (hostel dorm or camping)
- Food: £3-£5 (street food, supermarket sandwiches, or cooking own meals)
- Transport: £2-£5 (walking, bus, or budget train tickets)
- Attractions: £0-£5 (free walking tours, visiting free museums, or parks)
- Total: £10-£25 per day
Weekly Budget:
Total: £70-£175 per week
Accommodation: £35-£70 (avg. £5-£10 per night for hostel dorm or camping)
Food: £21-£35 (avg. £3-£5 per day for street food, supermarket sandwiches, or cooking own meals)
Transport: £14-£35 (avg. £2-£5 per day for walking, bus, or budget train tickets)
Attractions: £0-£35 (avg. £0-£5 per day for free walking tours, visiting free museums, or parks)
Conclusion:
And there you have it, folks! England on a broke budget-it’s a challenge, yet totally doable. A little careful planning and research, and flexibility with certain things, and you’re good to go through everything that England can offer without having to break the bank.
From the Lake District’s beautiful scenery to the busy streets of London, from Oxford’s historic universities to Manchester’s modern culture, England has something for all kinds of travelers. With our budget tips and tricks, you can see it all on a broke budget.
Of course, it is not always easy. There will be choices between spending money on food or attractions, and times when you must get creative about your accommodation options. But trust us, it’s worth it. Because when you travel England on a brokebudget, you’re not just saving money-you’re also experiencing the country in a way that’s authentic, immersive, and totally unforgettable.
So, if you’re a broke backpacker looking for an adventure, add England to your list. It won’t disappoint. Keep in mind, it is never about the amount of money you invest in something but the experiences and the memories you make. Be it hiking in the countryside, exploring a new city, or just enjoying a pint at some local pub, every moment in England is a chance to create a story that will last a lifetime.
Safe rides, and until the road catches up with ya! Meanwhile, hit the comments below and share your own tips and tales from the trail-we’d love to hear it!
