The UK’s expensive, right?

Wrong.

Okay, well, right a little. At the time of writing, $100 US dollars will get you about £63 British pounds. Those are the kinds of numbers that can make traveling in the UK seem prohibitive.

But here’s the catch – it doesn’t have to be.

If you want to go to the UK on a budget, all you need to do is think outside the box. It won’t be as cheap as, say, Southeast Asia, but if you’re careful, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Transportation

The UK has some great transport links, which give the budget traveler some options. Always check the buses first, as they tend to be cheaper. Companies like Megabus or National Express are good ones to try. Rail networks are available all over the country, and you can save by buying a rail pass, especially if you qualify for a student discount. To get from the west coast of the UK to Northern Ireland, try taking a ferry instead of a flight.

Accommodation

By now, you’d have to be living under a rock not to know about hostels, the go-to for most explorers on a budget. Sick of hostels? How about camping? The UK has plenty of spots conducive to camping. For a small fee you can rent a space for a tent or campervan, often with shared power points, showers, and kitchen facilities.

Off the Beaten Path

Groan. What a generic phrase, right? Hear me out. As congested as the main cities of the UK can be (London, Edinburgh, or Belfast), there are rolling acres of countryside waiting to be explored. Ever hear of Cheddar, England? For £16.65 you can get a day pass to the beautiful Cheddar Gorges and Caves. Bring your own lunch and cut down on costs. Look into the places you haven’t heard of, like Wookey Hole in England. Get over to Wales, which is still overlooked on many itineraries.

Although it’s small, the UK is stuffed with history, landscapes, and charm. Besides acting as a hub for travelers into Europe, it’s a destination all of its own.

*This post was brought to you in association with Butlin’s*