Travelling isn’t a cheap undertaking. Between flights, accommodation, food, and entrance fees the money goes fast. Finding ways to save a bit is particularly difficult when travelling through the UK, especially if you have to convert currency from Canadian or American dollars first.
Travel in the UK can be expensive but there are ways to save, you just need to know how. There is no shortage of free or inexpensive things to do while travelling in the UK, meaning you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out. Check out some of these great attractions on your next trip to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and you can keep your pounds in your pockets.
National Museums
There’s a little secret that some of you may not know about the museums in the UK. They’re free! Well, not all of them but a lot of them are. Entrance fees to national museums were scrapped in 2001, meaning you can visit some of the best museums in the world for absolutely nothing. Two of the better known free museums are the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, both in London, but most major cities in the UK have their own great museums that you can visit for nothing. Liverpool has no fewer than five museums and galleries located throughout the city centre, which means you could spend a whole weekend being entertained for free!
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The 38 000 black basalt columns that make up the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland are one of the most impressive natural landscapes you will ever set eyes on. Set right on the edge of Northern Ireland’s north coast this natural phenomenon is battered everyday by cold Atlantic waves, creating a dramatic coastline that is both rugged and beautiful. The site is free to enter, you’ll only need to pay £6 at the car park, or park at the new Giant’s Causeway Park & Ride service in the nearby village of Bushmill and take the bus to the site, and this will only cost £1.75/person.
Long Distance Walking Trails
If you’re looking for a more active holiday that is still on the cheap then head out on some of the country’s top notch long distance walking trails. You can walk for days along a number of well known trails, like the Cotswolds Way, the Wales Coast Path, and Hadrian’s Wall Path. Not only will you get a free workout, you’ll also get free history lessons along the way. The Hadrian’s Wall Path, for instance, travels along the route of an ancient Roman defensive wall and passes by innumerable historic sites along the way. All you’ll need is a good map and you’re all set to go! With all the money you’ll be saving on entrance fees and transport you can afford to splash out on some decadent treats, like a warm scone with extra cream, along the way.
To make some big savings on your holiday accommodation while travelling in the UK, why not consider staying in a holiday cottage? Sykes Cottages offer a huge selection of self-catering cottages located throughout the UK and Ireland, many with great last minute and short break deals. Just visit www.sykescottages.co.uk to view the latest deals!
Photo attribution:
New Museum of Liverpool: http://www.flickr.com/photos/suellewellyn/4641405641/
Giant’s Causeway: http://www.flickr.com/photos/locace/1472839548/
Hadrian’s Wall Path: http://www.flickr.com/photos/60664219@N00/162018632/
