Domestic tourism in the UK is experiencing a veritable renaissance. Since the pandemic, millions of Britons have rediscovered the beauty of Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and the Welsh national parks. But along with popularity, prices have also risen: finding accommodation in St. Ives or Lake Windermere without breaking the bank in the summer has become a real quest. However, it’s possible to travel the UK without breaking the bank—all you need to know are a few tried-and-true life hacks and be prepared for seasonal flexibility.
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One of the biggest mistakes is booking accommodation during peak season. School holidays, bank holidays, and August in general make the Dorset and Cornwall coastlines a hotspot. If you can shift your trip to May, September, or even October, you’ll not only save 30-50% on accommodation but also find less crowded beaches and trails. Indian summer in Britain has become increasingly predictable in recent years, and September often offers weather just as good as July.
An alternative to traditional hotels and Airbnbs are campsites and glamping sites. The Camping and Caravanning Club network and independent farm campsites offer pitches for £15-25 per night per tent, often with excellent amenities. For those who aren’t comfortable sleeping on the ground, glamping sites—yurts, dome tents, or converted caravans—are popular. They offer a sense of privacy and are often located in picturesque locations away from the crowds. Many such sites are booked through platforms like Cool Camping or Canopy & Stars.
Another way to drastically reduce costs is to use public transport instead of driving. Train tickets in Britain are notoriously expensive, but there are ways to reduce them. Split ticketing—buying multiple tickets for different sections of your journey instead of a single through ticket—can save you up to 50%. Websites like TrainSplit do this automatically. Additionally, the Two Together Railcard or Network Railcard (for the southeast) pays for itself after just one trip.
For trips to remote regions, such as the Northwest Highlands of Scotland or the Outer Hebrides, it’s worth combining train and ferry. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) package deals allow you to combine ferry and bus travel, and sometimes even accommodation, for a lower price than booking separately. For the Isles of Sealy and Jersey, keep an eye on ferry operator sales—tickets purchased two to three months in advance can be two to three times cheaper than last-minute deals.