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Bargain Travel Europe guide to Europe on a budget for unusual destinations,
holiday travel tips and secret spots missed by travel tours.


 


COST SAVING TIPS TRAVELING BRITAIN
Getting around the UK with a Little Left Over

London Budget Saving Eye and Big Ben Eye photo The dollar-pound exchange rate has taken a budget friendly turn. England is on sale again. But finding ways to save a little extra money on your activity to do list can allow you to stretch a trip even farther. Here are just a few of the ways to make the most of your money and cut costs when traveling around the British Isles. By planning ahead you can take advantage of some of the best savings, especially when booking lodgings or travel. There are also a large variety of special events around the country which can be enjoyed at a discount if you know where to look.

Money Exchange

The best exchange rates can usually be had by using an ATM card directly from a bank branch. Use a machine at a major bank. The charge from the local bank and your own home bank will still be less than the rate and fee at a money exchange service.

Hotels and Alternatives Accommodation

Discounted Hotels
If you are looking for a romantic vacation getaway at a country house hotel in the Lake District or a guest house hotel booking sites for best last minute rates. If you find a choice you like, you might check the hotel site directly. Sometimes the property has the lowest rate and sometimes a booking service has negotiated a lower deal. Some smaller B&Bs and guest houses are only bookable by email, which isn't quite so good for last minute.

Budget Hotel Chains
With hotel chains based in the cities and on major routes around the UK you can pay around £49 a night for two adults or a family of four sharing a room (children under 15 stay and eat for free). Holiday Inn Express has rooms as low £39 in the low season. Premier Inn has some very good locations near major tourist sites. Very often you can find a room just showing up, but in popular towns prices can more than double at busy times, so better to book ahead.

Find a City Apartment
In many major cities you can find serviced flats to rent for a single night or longer. If you need more than one room for a large family or traveling friends this can work out cheaper than a hotel. Some have hotel style benefits such as internet access or reception facilities plus you can cook your own meals. Most cities have public transportation so you can get around, but an apartment within walking distance of the sights you want to see will save money on public transport. Saco Apartments Bridge Street

Stay in a Countryside Cottage
If you're looking to really get a feel for how the locals live, rent a cottage in the English countryside. Bedding is usually supplied and kitchens are fully equipped so all you will need is to visit the local farm shop for fresh produce. Short breaks are available (usually a three night minimum) though week long rentals are more typical during the British school summer holidays. Visit Britain -- Dales Holiday Cottages

Holiday in the Forest
The United Kingdom Forestry Commission has 18 woodland sites around the country where you can camp, park your caravan or stay in a wood cabin. Motor home caravans, tents and cabins, even some tree houses are offered with prices starting from £109 for a three night stay. Forest Holidays

Hostels
Stay in some wonderful scenic locations and meet other travelers. You don't have to be a member to use youth hostels though you can save money if you are. The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has the largest choice of hostels in England and Wales offering anything from fairly basic Camping Barns (around £10 per night) in the countryside, to private rooms in city center locations (from £20 to around £34 per night in London).The Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) has over 70 hostels, from crofters cottages to castles in some remote locations (around £14) and in cities too (around £20).

Canals, Rivers and Waterways
There are thousands of waterway miles to explore from the comfort of a holiday boat taking in the rural sights at a gentle pace through the UK. There are boat hire companies spotted all around the country from Shropshire to Loch Ness, so you can choose the area that appeals most and discover it in detail. Boat rental costs starting around £200 per week per person and is great for families and groups who enjoy visiting canal side villages, pubs and restaurants, seeing wildlife and exploring interesting museums. Waterscape

Travel Around the UK

Coach and Bus Travel
National Express coach routes cover the country and bus fares are usually cheaper than standard rail road fares. Seasonal offers provide a limited number special discount fares but the sooner you reserve the more likely you are to find the best fares. In the northeast Yorkshire Coastliner

Rail Travel
Always book your journey in advance. Fares are usually released for sale 12 weeks before, so this is the best time to find a cheaper fare though like an airline discount the ticket may be restricted to a specific day and time. It can even be worth buying the day before you travel, to make savings on standard National Rail Fares.

Megabus
You can also book train and bus routes through Megabus. There are less routes available than through National Express or National Rail but you can book up to 45 days in advance and prices start from £1. The earlier you book the more likely you are to find a good deal. Trains must be booked at least a day before travel but buses can be bought up to 30 minutes before the coach departs.

Oyster Cards
In London this pay as you go travel card caps your daily costs at the cheapest price available. You’ll save on cash payments for individual journeys on the underground. Kids under 11 travel for free when accompanying an adult, 11-15 year olds need to purchase a Travelcard. Oyster Card

Attractions - Going Out

Sightseeing Pass
The Great British Heritage Pass is the most comprehensive pass for entry to 580 attractions over four to 30 days and has some of the best reductions if you intend to pack in the sights. It also allows you to skip lines at busy locations like Hampton Court or Warwick Castle.

Museums and Galleries
Many of the UK’s best museums and art galleries are free to enter, though a voluntary donation is available. Some of the best museums in London including the British Museum and the National Gallery as well as the National Railway Museum in York and National Museums in Cardiff and numerous Scottish museums too.

Buy Theatre Tickets for Half-Price.
The Tkts tickets booth in Leicester Square, London offers the best seats in the theatre at half the standard price. On the day of the performance you can check out the shows available and go right to the booth itself where you can buy tickets. Alternatively on the day, stand-by tickets are sometimes available direct from the theatres’ box office. There are other brokers near Leicester Square that promote half-price tickets but go to the official TKTS booth.

Fine dining If you want to eat well but not blow your budget try a fixed price lunch or pre-theatre menu. Book in advance online and there are a wide choice of deals to be found in many towns and cities. 5PM Toptable

Festivals for Fun
There are hundreds of festivals and local fairs and fetes taking place all year round with many free and low cost events taking place. When you get to a town, check with the local tourist office for details.

National Gardens
Over three thousand English gardens are open for charity throughout the year. If you are an gardening enthusiast or just a tourist in search of green and flowery color this is an enjoyable way to visit privately owned gardens with an abundance of fascinating and well tended plants and often get to meet the owners and maybe sample a spot of cream tea as well. National Gardens Scheme

Shopping VAT -UK Tax Refund
Visitors who live outside the European Community and leave within 3 months can claim back the VAT (value added tax - currently 17.5%) charged on most goods sold in the UK. You need to fill in VAT 407 refund form from the store and have it stamped by the VAT refund office at the airport or shipping port. © Bargain Travel Europe

Find the best travel and hotel deals in Britain at TripAdvisor

Web Info
Visit Britain

Article by Lucy Smith courtesy Visit Britain Additional content copyrighted property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission.

See Also:

GREAT BRITISH HERITAGE PASS
Save on Britain Historic Sight-Seeing

LONDON SIGHTSEEING BY BUS TOUR
Best Ways to See London from a Double-Decker


TOWER OF LONDON
Mind Your Head and the Family Jewels

LONDON'S BEST HISTORIC PUBS
Tour the Favorite Pubs of Literary and Historic Londoners

UK AIRPORT PARK STAY & GO PACKAGE
Hi Express and Crowne Plaza