Want a cheap staycation? UK holiday hidden gems for 2024

Ever thought about swapping your international holiday for a relaxing break closer to home?

This travel guide is packed with great staycation ideas and money-saving tips. From the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Skye, Northampton to North Wales, we've got all the travel inspiration for a great getaway.

We’ll also provide plenty of ways for you to make your staycation special while keeping it affordable.

There are so many reasons why a UK staycation might be the best choice for you.

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, staycations have become an increasingly popular choice for holidaymakers in the UK. In fact, a recent TopCashback study found that 40% of Brits who went on holiday in 2023 were planning to stay in the UK.

Opting for a UK holiday over international travel can help you save money while still getting to enjoy a fantastic break. However, staycations can be just as expensive as trips abroad if you’re not savvy about what and how you book.

What is a staycation and why book one?

A staycation is a trendy term used for any holiday that you spend in your own country. This could be within the city you live in or over on the other side of the British Isles.

You don’t need to travel far from home to enjoy sandy beaches, rolling hills, interesting local attractions and areas of outstanding natural beauty. The UK is full of hidden gems, from the Yorkshire Moors to the Jurassic Coast.

Staycations can be cheaper than holidays abroad, as long as you’re smart with your choices. Travelling within the UK means you don’t have to pay for flights or transfers to and from the airport, worry about updating your passport or exchange foreign currency.

TopCashback’s Summer Holidays study found that 63% of participants believed the cost of living would impact their summer holiday plans in 2023.

So, while more of us planned to travel in 2023 compared to the previous year (70% of Brits in 2023, compared to 60% in 2022), finding ways to save money on our holidays is increasingly important.

There are more benefits to UK staycations than just saving money, too. According to the clean transport campaign group, Transport & Environment, emissions from air travel are growing faster than any other method of transport. If we can reduce our air travel, we can reduce our damage to the planet.

When you holiday within the UK, you also help boost the UK economy and support small businesses. And as we experience a major cost of living crisis, spending money on local businesses can make a big difference to the people who run them.

Timing is everything

One of the most prominent factors influencing the cost of your holiday is timing. And when we talk about timing, we mean both when you book your UK staycation and when you actually go on your holiday.

If you time things well, you can easily increase your chances of finding a cheap staycation.

When should you book?

When you book your staycation can have an impact on the overall cost. This is because accommodation prices rise and fall at different points of the week and throughout the year.

Lots of us start thinking about booking our next holiday around December to January. Holiday companies know this, so they sometimes hike up their prices around this time of year.

There’s no exact science that tells us when we should book as what works for one holiday might not work for another and prices vary from place to place. With that said, here are a few things to consider experimenting with to see if they bring your costs down.

Booking ahead

There are very mixed views about whether booking ahead or last minute will result in a cheaper holiday, but there’s a decent case for booking your holiday at the earliest possible opportunity.

Booking ahead means you’ll have a much wider choice of locations, packages and deals. The result? More chances to snap up an offer that helps you keep your spending down.

You can usually also spread the cost over a few months by paying in instalments, if the provider allows this.

If you’re planning to travel to your destination using train, you can save some cash by booking ahead. The earliest time you can book advance train tickets is 12 weeks before travel. This is the perfect time if you want to save money as prices will increase after this point.

 Booking last minute

If you have some flexibility, or you’re considering an impromptu weekend trip, you might be able to bag yourself a great last-minute deal.

While your accommodation options might be limited as it gets close to the date you’re booking for, the options available may potentially be cheaper.

This is because hotels and other accommodation providers often reduce the prices of rooms they can’t sell. They’d rather sell a room to you at a lower price than have nobody stay there at all.

The beauty of booking a UK holiday is you can leave it right to the wire before securing your accommodation with less risk than if you were going abroad.

Seeing as you’ll be staying in your home country and probably not booking flights, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to your destination and transport.

Booking your hotels on a Friday

According to Expedia, Friday is the cheapest day for booking a hotel.

Their study found the lowest average daily rates are available on Fridays and concluded that Sunday is the most expensive day of the week to book a hotel stay.

So, if you can avoid the weekend, you might bag yourself a better deal.

When should you travel?

Just as with holidays abroad, there are certain times that are more popular for going on staycations.

Accommodation is more expensive in the summer months due to the weather being better, particularly between late July and early September when children have broken up from school.

Balancing costs with weather forecasting is a fine art. If you want a better chance of sun, you’ll have to book your holiday during the peak holiday season, which means you’ll pay more.

Book outside of the school holidays

If you don’t have school-age kids, scheduling your holiday outside of the school holidays and half terms could save you a decent chunk of money. If you’re after hot weather, try early July or late September and avoid the rush of families.

Book around Scottish school holidays

Scottish schools usually break up for summer in early July and return in mid-August. So, if you live elsewhere in the UK and your little ones aren’t back at school until the start of September, you could book a Scottish holiday for the mid to end of August and save yourself some money.

Likewise, if you live in Scotland and are holidaying elsewhere in the UK, book for early July to enjoy cheaper prices while most children are still at school.

Have you considered a winter break?

Holidaying during quieter months can reduce how much you spend on your UK holiday.

November through to April in the UK is considered low season, which means this part of the year is the least popular time for hotels, resorts and attractions. Businesses set their prices lower at these times to encourage money-smart customers to visit at a reduced cost.

Obviously, this time of year is better suited to city breaks than beach vacations, so this tip won’t work for everyone.

Travelling midweek can save you money

If you’re using public transport, train and coach tickets are usually cheaper during the week, particularly if you can travel off-peak.

If you’re driving to your destination, you can avoid getting stuck in traffic and wasting extra money on petrol if you travel mid-week too.

Finding a budget-friendly staycation: UK destinations

Another major factor in how much your UK holiday will cost is the destination you choose.

When you think of staycations, do you automatically think of pricey visits to Cornwall and South Devon? Popular staycation spots can be expensive (and busy!), especially down south in the summer.

But you don’t have to holiday in the same parts of the UK as everyone else.

Our advice is to start by thinking about what kind of holiday you want.

Do you want a week of country living filled with long walks and day trips to the occasional National Trust nature reserve? Or do you want to visit a seaside town where you can relax on the beach with an ice cream? Maybe you’re after fun family activities like swimming, adventure playgrounds and trips to art galleries?

Whatever type of holiday you’re dreaming of, you’ll have multiple destinations to choose from.

When deciding which area of the UK to visit, don’t forget to consider locations outside of major cities and tourist hotspots. There are countless unique regions offering their own charm and beauty. Here are a few of our favourites...

Beach breaks

If you’re after a cheap staycation by the sea, we’d recommend heading north rather than to the south coast.

You’re never too far from the coastline in the UK, so your list of options is lengthy. Here are a few coastal destinations you might not have thought of, which are likely to cost less than St. Ives or Falmouth.

 Blackpool

Well known for its lively piers, Blackpool is a fantastic place for the whole family to have fun by the beach. It’s far more affordable than other places with sandy beaches in the UK too. In fact, a 2023 study by Sykes Holiday Cottages crowned Blackpool the cheapest holiday destination in the UK.

 Scarborough

There are four beaches in and around the North Yorkshire town of Scarborough, many of which are popular among surfers. The North Bay is a particularly beautiful holiday spot. This beach is a recognised Blue Flag beach, which means it meets certain standards for safety, cleanliness and sustainability.

 Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle beach in Northumberland combines coastal relaxation with breathtaking medieval architecture. With its imposing castle overlooking the beach, you can soak up a bit of history while also soaking up some sun.

City breaks

Booking a London staycation can be costly, but there are plenty of other bustling cities packed with hidden gems. If you’re interested in a city staycation outside London, why not consider one of the following locations?

 Cardiff

Did you know Cardiff is one of the cheapest cities to visit in the UK? As well as being affordable, Wales’s capital and its surrounding areas have some fantastic tourist attractions. Visit Roald Dahl’s birthplace, soak up the sun at Cardiff Bay, or head over to Barry Island for a Gavin & Stacey tour.

 Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the best cities in the UK for shopping. Say hello to the Ozzy the mechanical bull at Grand Central Station before enjoying some retail therapy in the Bullring. You can visit the shops inside the iconic Selfridges building too, before heading over to Brindley Place for a few cocktails.

 Bristol

Bristol is another vibrant city with lots to see and do. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbour or visit the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. If you’re keen to learn about Bristol’s creative scene, there are plenty of museums and art galleries to explore and you can even take a Banksy street art tour across the city.

Relaxing mid-sized city getaways

If you’re looking for a quintessentially English holiday, there are a number of cheap but charming towns and cities for you to visit. Here are some of the best staycations we've found.

 Cambridge

Cambridge is a picturesque, relaxed city known best, of course, for its university. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, you can spend an afternoon punting down the river or marvel at the gothic architecture of King’s College Chapel. In a 2023 study, Which? members named Cambridge the best medium-sized city for a short break in the UK, and we can see why.

 Durham

With lots of green spaces and gardens, a world-famous cathedral and the River Wear flowing through the city, Durham is a quaint and beautiful place to visit. The same Which? 2023 study that rated Cambridge so highly also praised Durham for both its cultural sights and value for money.

 Norwich

Norwich is a cathedral city with a huge amount of history. In fact, it's famous for being the most complete medieval city in the UK, with 33 medieval churches. The Norfolk Broads are also just a short drive away, so you can enjoy leisurely boat trips down the river, followed by delicious food at a nearby pub.

Educational and sightseeing trips

The UK may be small, but we have an abundance of history and culture. From our world-leading universities to our pop, rock and punk scene, you’re bound to learn something new wherever you choose to visit. Here are a few of our top recommendations for an educational trip that won’t break the bank.

 Salisbury

Salisbury in Wiltshire is the home of one of England’s most famous historical sites: Stonehenge. While in the area, why not take a trip to Salisbury Cathedral, where you can see a copy of the Magna Carta? Tickets for Stonehenge start from £20 per person and you can get entry to Salisbury Cathedral for £10 per head.

 Loch Ness

Ever fancied your chances of catching a glimpse of Nessie? Loch Ness is a popular Scottish holiday destination thanks in part to its historic folklore but also its breathtaking natural beauty. It’s free to visit, too. The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (which you’ll probably know as the Harry Potter railway bridge) is also less than two hours' drive from Loch Ness.

 Stratford-upon-Avon

Put on the map for being the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford is a beautiful market town in Warwickshire. Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) for less than £15 per person. And if you’re under 25, you can also enjoy £10 tickets for shows at the RSC.

Hiking holidays with beautiful scenery

Feel connected to the great outdoors by exploring the UK’s stunning rolling countryside. From Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim to the reservoirs of the East Midlands’ Peak District, there are almost too many locations to choose from. We’ve highlighted a few particularly interesting areas that are great for hiking holidays.

 The Lake District

A trip to the Lake District will be the perfect staycation for anyone looking for a choice of hiking trails for people of all abilities. The tranquil scenery is the ideal backdrop for walking, cycling and observing the area’s wildlife. With great restaurants and pubs in the area, you can easily replenish your energy levels after your expedition.

 South Wales

There are endless places of outstanding natural beauty in South Wales, including the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Looking for a challenge? Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons is the highest peak in South Wales and the whole of southern Britain.

 The Scottish Highlands

Scotland has some incredible hidden treasures, from coastal towns and cities like Moray and Dundee to the highest mountain in Scotland: Ben Nevis. Another popular holiday destination in this region is Loch Lomond National Park, which is great for hiking, bike riding and fishing.

Choosing the best accommodation for your needs and budget

When it comes to UK travel, location is always likely to have an impact on price. But don’t fear, if you’ve still got your heart set on a sunny staycation on the southwest coast, there are ways you might be able to save.

Here’s a rundown of the main options when it comes to accommodation for UK trips.

While luxury lodges in the forest are generally going to be more costly than budget hotels, there are ways you can save money on all accommodation types, so it’s worth considering them all.

Budget accommodation

If you’re planning a weekend getaway to a town or city where you just want to use your accommodation as a base for exploring, there are budget accommodation options for you.

With many budget hotels, university halls and hostels, you’re more likely to be close to the action. Staying central means you can avoid long walks in and out of the town or city you’re visiting, giving you more time to explore your surroundings.

During the summer, Christmas and Easter (UK) holidays, some universities and other student residences open up their empty rooms to holidaymakers.

These tend to be available in large cities (such as Edinburgh, Cardiff, Nottingham and Liverpool), rather than small towns and villages. There are some pretty impressive university buildings too, including Durham Castle — who could say no to an affordable night’s stay at a World Heritage Site?

Booking university accommodation can be particularly good if you’re travelling alone (as many university rooms only sleep one person), or if you’re looking for a way to make a staycation in London cheaper. Check out the University Rooms website to see if there are any halls in the city you’re visiting.

If uni halls aren’t an option, have a look to see if the area you’re visiting has any budget hotels like a Premier Inn, Travelodge or ibis.

Alternatively, you could opt to stay in a hostel, where rooms can be as cheap as £8 per night. You don’t have to book a shared room either. Many hostels offer private rooms at a price that’s still far cheaper than many other accommodation types. We saw private rooms as cheap as £40.

Camping

* Camping is a great affordable option if you already have your own equipment or are able to borrow some. If you end up paying for equipment, your costs can quickly add up.

Camping is a great option for anyone looking for an adventurous family break. UK camp sites allow you to get close to nature and marvel at the beautiful scenery surrounding you.

This is also one of the cheapest holiday accommodation options, with pitches starting from around £15 a night (depending on which provider you book with and where in the UK you go).

When we looked, we found a non-electric grass pitch for four people in Croyde (north Devon) from £18.80 per night and a similar non-electric grass pitch (for four guests) in Weymouth, Dorset from £12.80 per night.

Weymouth is within driving distance from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, which includes landmarks like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, making it a favourite among UK holidaymakers.

If you don’t already have your own camping equipment though, you may end up spending more than you intend to before your trip even begins.

As well as a tent, you’ll need a camp stove, food storage, roll mats, sleeping bags and appropriate clothing for sleeping outdoors. Ask around your family and friends to see if anyone has any gear you can borrow or buy second-hand if you can.

Caravans

Much like camping holidays, caravan stays are a great option for anyone looking for an affordable family getaway.

We have a whole separate guide on how to book cheap caravan holidays, so make sure you have a read if you want to find the best deal on an upcoming caravan retreat.

But to summarise our main advice for booking caravan holidays; travelling to the north of England is generally cheaper than holidaying down south. Our research found savings of over £400 when booking a week with Haven in Northumberland, compared to the same holiday in Dorset.

Did you know you can earn cashback with a range of caravan holiday parks on TopCashback?

If you click through to a holiday company from their brand page on TopCashback (such as Parkdean Resorts or Away Resorts), you’ll be able to take advantage of our latest offers.

If you're new to TopCashback, you can get £15 cashback just for signing up and spending £15 or more with any of our retailers.

Private holiday homes and apartments

Far more exciting than a simple hotel room, holiday cottages and apartments offer a more tailored staycation experience.

From private hot tubs to electric vehicle charging points, you can find a great place that suits your specific needs and preferences.

To find the perfect property, you could try an independent holiday cottage rental agency like Rural Retreats, Landmark Trust or Classic Cottages.

Airbnb also holds a hive of holiday inspiration. We discovered a vast selection of property types, from renovated shepherd’s huts to a moon conker treehouse (yes, really).

Other accommodation options available through Airbnb include glamping huts, luxury holiday cottages, log cabins, forest tree tents and even converted cow sheds.

Prices when we checked started from £83 per night, but this will depend on when and where you go. You may be able to find an even better deal than we did.

Private accommodation like this is a smart option for bigger groups, particularly for special occasions like hen dos and birthday celebrations.

We found a traditional stone farmhouse in Greater Manchester, starting from £175 per night for a group of eight adults. If you were staying for five nights, each person in your party would pay just under £110 for the whole trip, plus their share of the £60 cleaning fee — bargain.

Resorts

When you book a resort holiday, you can enjoy unique accommodation while still having access to amenities like restaurants and bars, as well as on-site activities like archery, quad biking and water sports.

Resorts are ideal if you want plenty of things to do within walking distance of your accommodation.

Whether you’re searching for luxury lodges in the forest or a modern chalet near a seaside town, there’s a wide range of different companies offering accommodation.

Save money by opting out of extras like catering and accommodation upgrades and don’t forget to see if the company you’re booking with offers cashback.

Our list of family staycation resorts offering cashback includes Forest Holidays, Pontins and Away Resorts.

Hotels

Hotels are a great choice if you’re planning a short break with a friend or a romantic staycation for you and your other half to enjoy a bit of luxury and relaxation.

While not necessarily the cheapest option, there are ways to reduce the cost of your hotel stay. As hotel costs can quickly add up, booking a hotel room is better suited for a weekend break where you’re only paying for a couple of nights.

Have you considered taking advantage of a secret hotel booking, where the place you stay is a surprise until after you book?

Some hotel bookings come with access to a swimming pool or spa facilities, and you may have the option to book extras like afternoon tea if you’re looking for a special touch. A bed and breakfast is another option, although these tend to cost even more than hotels.

It’s not as scary as it sounds, and you get to set parameters for things that are non-negotiable (whether that’s the location, facilities, or level of luxury). If you want to learn more, check out our ultimate guide to booking secret hotels.

You can also earn cashback on a variety of hotel room bookings when you book via the TopCashback site. Our list of companies at the time of writing includes Hotels.com, Radisson Hotels and lastminute.com. It’s also worth checking Wowcher and Groupon to see if you can bag yourself a bargain.

Important things to consider when booking your UK staycation

So, you’ve chosen where you’re going and what type of accommodation you want to stay in.

But before you commit to booking your accommodation or travel, you’ll need to take the following things into consideration. They could affect how much you spend, or even cause you to reconsider your booking entirely.

 Do you need travel insurance?

Staycations in the UK don’t require you to book health insurance because you’ll be covered by the NHS. However, you should still consider cancellation cover in case you need to cancel due to illness or injury.

If you’re not sure where to start, read our guide to finding the best travel insurance deal for your holiday. Make sure you’re clued up on the cancellation policies of any travel or accommodation providers you’re using for your trip.

 Can you go self-catered?

Half-board and all-inclusive accommodation can be expensive. It’s also not always worth the cost, particularly if you end up eating meals while you’re out and about instead of at your accommodation.

If you can book somewhere with private kitchen facilities, you can save money by cooking your own meals.

 Can you save money on your car journey?

Take some time to consider the cheapest and most effective way to get to your staycation destination.

If your accommodation is remote, you might need to travel by car, so bear in mind petrol and parking costs. If you’re travelling with a group, can you car share?

Before embarking on any long road trips, always check your vehicle over to make sure it’s in good condition to make the trip. You don’t want to break down halfway to your destination!

 Could you book cheaper transport?

If you’re heading to a large town or city, you could look to see if travelling by train, bus or coach could save you some money.

Travelling by train? Have a read of our guide to booking cheap train tickets to find out how you can reduce your costs.

Coach tickets are generally cheaper than train tickets, but it may take longer to get to your destination. Both megabus and National Express are available on TopCashback, so you can earn cashback on your tickets if you book through either of them.

 Have you checked the reviews?

Some places are cheap for a reason… Spend some time reading reviews online (you can use a website like Trustpilot, or just have a search on Google) to make sure your chosen spot doesn’t have hundreds of terrible reviews!

You could also ask around people you know who’ve been to the same area to get their accommodation recommendations.

 Can you bring your dog?

Bringing your dog along on your staycation can help you save money you’d otherwise have spent on a sitter, walker or kennel. Lots of places are dog friendly and will even allow you to bring your dog for free.

Not only could you be financially better off but your furry friend is bound to have a wonderful time too.

Make sure you check the company’s pet policy before you commit to your booking, especially if you're camping or staying in a caravan, as some sites will charge a fee if you want to bring your dog with you.

Tips for saving money while on your UK staycation

Being money-smart isn’t only important when booking your holiday… it’s also possible to keep your staycation on a budget while you’re away too. Here are a few tips for saving on your excursions.

Use your Clubcard points to save on attractions

When you exchange Clubcard points, you can double their value. This means that £5 worth of vouchers can quickly become £10 to spend at a reward partner. Locations accepting Clubcard vouchers include Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, West Midland Safari Park, the Eden Project and the London Dungeon.

Get 2-for-1 days out with National Rail

This includes Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and even Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Head over to the National Rail’s Days Out Guide website to find out how to qualify for this offer.

Take advantage of free attractions

There are free things to do in any town or city, you just have to know where to find them.

Free attractions will vary from place to place, but you're likely to find at least some museums, art galleries, parks or historical sites offering free entry. Do some research before you go so you're not disappointed.

If you have a National Trust membership, you can get free entry to over 500 sites across the UK. Membership can be quite pricey but may be worth the money if you get enough use out of yours.

If you're a nature and/or history buff, why not offer up a National Trust membership as a gift idea when someone next asks you what you want for Christmas?

Time to pack your bags…

With so many beautiful places to visit in the UK, you don’t have to travel abroad in order to have an unforgettable holiday.

And the best part? A staycation doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. There are ways to save on everything from accommodation to travel and even activities and attractions while you’re away.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday on the sunny south coast, or a romantic city break with your other half, hopefully you’ll now have plenty of UK staycation ideas to choose from.