Britons reveal the secret to budget holidays: 6 places where the whole family can relax.
According to The Sun: Although the school holidays have ended, there's no need to be sad! In Great Britain, there are wonderful opportunities for carefree relaxation in your homeland without big expenses.
You can find a plethora of interesting places with free activities for children, beautiful beaches to enjoy the last warm days, and delicious dishes that cost as little as £1.50.
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Getty
Getty
Many people do not want the added stress of airports and baggage checks, so they try to stay in Britain for a peaceful holiday or a day trip.
There are many interesting spots nearby that can provide new experiences even in just a day. And in nice weather, it feels like being abroad.
For example, the Cotswolds are perfect for visiting: there's no need to do anything special or book tours to enjoy the atmosphere. This will help save money and have fun with family.
Cambridge
This historic city is one of the most popular destinations for day trips in Great Britain. Cambridge has a population of about 25,000 students. The city is easily accessible from other cities like Birmingham and Leicester, by train or car.
Cambridge impresses with its beautiful streets filled with shops and cafes, large parks, and nearby canals.
The best view of the city can be seen from the water. You can take a boat tour, which costs around £35-40 for a family of four. And if you don't want to spend money on a tour, kids can enjoy themselves at Midsummer Common.
This place is beloved among families, with space for games, summer activities such as children’s workshops, live music, and the famous Midsummer fair.
You can also take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the canal views completely free of charge. Kids will be delighted by the cows grazing nearby.
Don't forget your swimsuit, as in nice weather you can swim at Jesus Green Lido, one of the longest outdoor pools in the country. The pool is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, and admission is £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children.
Cambridge may seem expensive to visit, but many people are surprised at how easy it is to have a good time on a budget here. You can visit Museum Fitzwilliam and Zoo Museum for free.
Kettle's Yard hosts free 'family evenings' with creative workshops and trails for children.
If you’re in good shape, you can climb Castle Mound. Admission is free, and you get a fantastic view of the Cambridge skyline from the top.
How much will you spend in Cambridge?
- Parking: £30 per day in the city center, £15 for a park-and-ride
- Train ticket: £11 in advance, £28 on the day
- Tea: £3.50, and piece of cake: £8
- Lunch: street food at Cambridge’s foodPark £10 per person
- Glass of wine: £6, and beer: £5.50
- Ice cream: £4
- Bicycle rental: £25 per day per bike
- Free activity: climb up Castle Mound
- Dinner: £30 per adult with a glass of wine. Kids eat for free* (*at Bills).
Durham
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Durham in the north of England is the perfect city for a day trip. This place attracts visitors with its accessibility and numerous family-friendly entertainment within a compact pedestrian zone.
Start your day with a walk along the waterfront, where many trees grow, offering views of the city. The area is safe for strolls: pedestrians, runners, and cyclists are often encountered.
Stop by Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, where you can enjoy tea and a piece of cake while learning about the city’s history, which spans over a thousand years. Admission is £7.50 for adults, while children enter for free.
You can see ancient armor of knights and Normans, as well as enjoy free family activities such as creative workshops.
Durham also has several castles, including Raby Castle and Barnard Castle for little princes and princesses. Don’t forget about the beautiful High Force waterfall, which is easily reachable via a short hike.
For dinner, The Food Pit is recommended, where large kebab wraps cost just £6.
How much will you spend in Durham?
- Parking: £2.50 per day with Park and Ride
- Train ticket: from £19 from Manchester and £43 from London
- Tea: £1, piece of cake: £2.30
- Lunch: Kebab from The Food Pit £6.99
- Glass of wine: £4, beer: £3.85
- Ice cream: £2
- Playground at Wharton Park: free
- River cruise: £5 per person
- Dinner: Burger and a pint for £12.50
Bath
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Bath is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Great Britain. The city center has remained in its original form for centuries and is the country’s only UNESCO site. It’s a perfect place for a day visit, measuring just 11 square miles.
Start at Royal Crescent, where you can take stunning photos. Nearby is Royal Victoria Park with a botanical garden and a large children’s playground.
For active kids, we offer walks along Kennet and Avon Canal. Free musical events take place in Bath throughout the year.
How much will you spend in Bath?
- Parking: free with Bath Park and Ride
- Train ticket: £40 from London
- Tea: £3.30, piece of cake: £2.80
- Lunch: burger from Schwartz Brothers: £10
- Glass of wine: £8, beer: £4.90
- Ice cream: £4.95
- Free activity: visiting Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park
- Dinner: pizza at Dough from £10
Margate, Kent
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Kent has one of the most beautiful and diverse coastlines in Great Britain. It’s the perfect place for a family day at the beach.
The wide sandy beach is perfect for relaxation, and in summer there are amusement rides available.
At Turner Contemporary, admission is free, and you can check for workshops to do with children. You can save on dinner by ordering pizza at Palm Pizza. For £24, you’ll get a large pizza for the whole family.
How much will you spend in Margate?
- Parking: free at places like Lifeguard Station
- Train ticket: from £12
- Tea: £2.80, piece of cake: £3.50
- Lunch: fish and chips from Peter’s Fish Factory £2
- Glass of wine: £5, beer: £6
- Entry to Crab Museum: free
- Dinner: pizza at Palms Pizza for £13 for two
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
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If you're looking for a day that feels like a holiday, a trip to Dorset is the perfect option.
Stay on the beach at Charmouth or Lyme Regis, where you can search for fossils for free. Just bring a lunch.
At Lyme Regis, visit the small market and enjoy some ice cream. Don’t forget to visit the Lyme Regis Museum, where entry is free for children.
Dinner can be ordered at The Whole Hog, where you can get large meat rolls for £5.
How much will you spend in Dorset?
- Parking: from £3.80 per day, free on the coastal road
- Train ticket: from £11.95 (from London) when booked in advance
- Tea: £2.50, piece of cake: £3.50
- Lunch: fish and chips at Billy Winter’s Cafe £14
- Glass of wine: £5, beer: £4.40
- Ice cream: £2.50
- Visiting fossils on the beach: free
- Kayak rental: £15 per hour
- Dinner: mini-fish and chips at Bennett’s Chip Shop by the harbor for £8
Cotswolds
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The Cotswolds are a true English village with picturesque hills and charming cottages. Besides stunning views, there are also numerous hiking trails and scenic villages.
In this area, you can organize a picnic and enjoy time at Cattle Country Farm Park.
To wrap up, it’s worth visiting a cozy pub, such as The Bull in Charlbury, where you can taste homemade dishes.
How much will you spend in the Cotswolds?
- Parking: from £4.70 per day
- Train ticket: £15 from London
- Tea: £3, piece of cake: £4.20
- Lunch: sandwich with the square for £6
- Glass of wine: £7, beer: £4.70
- Ice cream: £3
- Visit to Blenheim Palace: £31, but it can be used throughout the year, £15 for children, £85 for family ticket
- Walking and hiking routes: free
- Dinner: kids eat for £1 in Lionhearth Group pubs, adult dishes start from £18.
A holiday in Great Britain is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and diversity of locales without spending too much money. You can have a great time with your family discovering new interesting places while staying in the comfort of your own country.
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