Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in England: How to Visit on a Budget!

Travelling doesn’t have to break the bank especially when visiting England! With a little planning and a few smart choices, you can explore everything this beautiful country has to offer without overspending. 

Here are some tried-and-tested budget-friendly travel tips to help you save money and travel more.

Stay Outside of Central Locations

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to avoid staying in the heart of major cities, where accommodation prices are at their highest. Instead, look for hotels, hostels, or Airbnb rentals just outside the main areas but with good transport links.

For example, if you are visiting London, rather than booking a hotel in Zones 1 or 2, consider staying a little further out in Zones 3 or 4. You’ll still have easy access to the city centre via public transport but at a fraction of the price.

Additionally, many towns and cities in England offer Park & Ride services, where you can park your car outside the city and take a bus into the centre. This is a cheaper and more convenient option than driving into busy areas, where parking fees can be sky-high.

Cut Down on Eating Out

Eating out for every meal can quickly add up, so we recommend minimizing restaurant visits where possible. Instead:

• Stock up at a supermarket at the beginning of your trip for easy meals and snacks. Grab fruit, cereal, sandwiches, and pot noodles to enjoy in your hotel or on the go.
• Pack snacks for day trips to avoid impulse spending at tourist hotspots.
• When eating out is a must, choose budget-friendly chain restaurants like Wetherspoons, Greene King, or Toby Carvery, where you can get a decent meal at a reasonable price.

If you want to treat yourself, look for lunch deals, as many restaurants offer cheaper set menus at midday compared to evening prices.

Bonus tip: Booking accommodation with free breakfast or a kitchenette can save even more money on food!

Use Supermarket Meal Deals to Save on Food Costs

As mentioned, Eating out for every meal can quickly drain your travel budget, but a simple and effective way to save money on food is by taking advantage of supermarket meal deals. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Boots offer affordable meal deals, where you can get a sandwich, wrap, or salad, plus a snack and a drink for around £4-5.

These meal deals are perfect for quick lunches on the go, especially if you are exploring cities, hiking, or travelling between destinations. You’ll often find them in convenience stores, train stations, and high streets, making them an easy and budget-friendly alternative to restaurants or fast food.

By using supermarket meal deals and discounted food sections, you can save a significant amount on food costs while still enjoying a variety of meals during your trip.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

It is easy to get caught up in booking expensive tours and excursions, but England is packed with free things to do. With a little research, you’ll find plenty of cost-free attractions, such as:

Museums and Art Galleries – Many of England’s best museums, including the British Museum in London, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum, offer free entry.

Historical Sites – While some castles and landmarks have entry fees, many historic sites, churches, and cathedrals are free to explore.

Parks and Gardens – Enjoy a leisurely walk in Hyde Park, the Peak District, or the Lake District, all without spending a penny.

Coastal Walks and Beaches– England’s coastline is stunning and free to explore, from the white cliffs of Dover to the beaches of Cornwall.

Before your trip, Google free things to do in [your destination] to find hidden gems that won’t cost you a thing!

Set a Daily Budget

One of the best ways to stay on track financially is to set a daily spending limit. If you’ve saved £500 for your trip and are travelling for five days, that gives you a budget of £100 per day.

This method helps you pace your spending so you don’t blow your budget on the first two days and struggle for the rest of your trip. Consider using a budgeting app like Monzo or Revolut to keep track of expenses while travelling.

Bonus tip: Use public transport passes (such as the Oyster card in London) to save money on daily travel instead of paying for single tickets.

Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drain your budget fast, especially in cities like London. Instead, opt for public transport, which is affordable, reliable, and well-connected across England.

In London, get an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card to access the Tube, buses, and trams at a discounted rate. Many cities, like Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, have cheap tram or bus passes that offer unlimited travel for a set price.

If you’re travelling between cities, book train tickets in advance through websites like Trainline or consider taking budget-friendly coaches like National Express or Megabus for significant savings.

Walking and renting bikes are also great, cost-effective ways to explore without spending extra on transport.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

If your schedule allows, avoid peak travel seasons (summer and holidays) to get the best deals on flights, accommodation, and attractions. The cheapest months to visit England are January to March and September to November when flights and hotels are typically cheaper.

Many popular attractions are less crowded and sometimes offer discounts outside peak season. If you must travel during summer, book everything well in advance to lock in lower prices before they surge.

By being flexible with your travel dates, you can enjoy the same incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost!

Look for Discount Passes & Deals 

Another great way to save money while travelling in England is to take advantage of discount passes and deals. 

If you are planning to visit multiple historical sites, a National Trust or English Heritage membership can provide free or discounted entry to hundreds of castles, gardens, and landmarks. In London, the London Pass offers access to over 80 attractions at a lower cost, including iconic spots like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

For those using trains frequently, a Railcard – such as the 16-25, Two Together, or Senior Railcard can reduce ticket prices by up to one-third. Many attractions also offer student, military, or group discounts, so it’s always worth checking before booking. Doing a little research ahead of time can help you unlock significant savings on transport and sightseeing, making your budget stretch even further.

FAQs

How much money should you have for a trip to England?

There are two answers to this question; how much you NEED and then how much you WANT.

If you want to stick to a budget but still enjoy your holiday I would save £100 per person a day – this is what I take when staycationing in England. 

£100 a day will still give you the freedom to do any activity and eat out, all it means is checking the price on the menu, and having water instead of a second alcoholic beverage or pop etc.

However, if you’re not sticking to a budget and don’t want to keep a check on your daily spending I’d recommend around £180.

Are buses cheaper than trains in the UK?

Ýes! Buses are generally cheaper than trains in the UK, especially for long-distance travel. Companies like National Express and Megabus offer budget-friendly fares, often costing significantly less than train tickets. While trains are usually faster and more convenient, bus travel can be a great option if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a longer journey.

For shorter city trips, local buses are also cheaper than trains or the Tube, with many cities offering day passes or contactless payment caps to keep costs low. If you’re on a budget, buses can be a cost-effective way to explore the UK.

Conclusion 

Visiting England on a budget is doable with a few smart choices. By staying outside of central locations, cutting down on dining costs, making the most of free activities, and setting a daily budget, you can experience the best of England without overspending.

With these tips, you’ll be able to travel more often, stress less about money, and enjoy your trip to the fullest. So start planning, pack wisely, and get ready for an unforgettable (and affordable) adventure in England!

Have you travelled to England on a budget before? Drop your best money-saving tips in the comments below!