Affordable Adventures: The Top Cheap UK City Breaks for 2024

When it comes to cheap weekend getaways UK Citizens should forget flying to Europe. There are some great budget options right on your doorstep.


You can embrace your inner adventurer without breaking the bank with a quick getaway to major UK cities like London, Liverpool and Newcastle. These frugal escapes can deliver big thrills without the big bills. Join us as we set out on a wallet-friendly expedition to hunt down the very best budget trips Brits can take in 2024.


Cheap London Breaks


Why go?


They say if you're tired of London, you're tired of life! If you’re looking for a good old knees up on an Oliver Twist budget, the Big Smoke dishes out bags of artful dodges like fantastic free museums, pocket-friendly theatre tickets, and digs that won't drain your wallet.


Snap a selfie with one of the lions in Trafalgar Square or dive into Notting Hill Carnival's vibrant celebration of diversity. If they're rolling out the red carpet in Leicester Square, you can even roll on down to catch a glimpse of your fave celebs.


History buffs: we've got you covered with loads of gratis museums, from the V&A to the British Museum.


London is also one of the more family-friendly options, given how many budget-friendly activities there are. Little and big kids alike can rock back to the Jurassic era with the life-size dinosaur statues at Crystal Palace Park.


Getting There:


Getting to London, which after all is the capital of Blighty, is an absolute doddle by car, as you can just motor down the M6.


If you prefer to hop on a train, you can chug into one of the city's many stations. So many in fact, that London is by far the easiest city to reach by train from anywhere in the UK.  Should you swing by King's Cross, give a nod to Platform 9 ¾  where Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express! I


For a swifter break, take a plane into Heathrow or Gatwick. For a more budget-friendly soar check flights into Stansted or Luton. 


Getting Around: 


Navigating London is a breeze with its world-renowned underground system, nearly as famous as the city's landmarks themselves. 


For a wallet-friendly ride during a short visit, grab an Oyster card or 7-day travel pass. Not just limited to the Tube, these little wonders also let you hop on the iconic red double-decker buses (other colours are available), trams, and overground trains. 


Where to stay:


Kabannas London St. Pancras is your perfect, affordable getaway nestled in the heart of London


We're situated a quick bus journey away from Shoreditch, Camden Market, and South Kensington. Our prices are tailored to suit every group and budget.


If you go exploring in packs, our dorm rooms can easily accommodate up to 6 people. Go Dutch with your fellow travellers for a budget-friendly snooze. Did we mention that each dorm has its own private bathroom?


Craving a slice of privacy? Then, book one of our double rooms – perfect for sleeping up to two, with an ensuite bathroom.


The Liver Bird Liverpool

Cheap Liverpool Breaks


Why go?


Liverpool is definitely one of the best places in the UK for cheap weekend getaways. If you want to fill up on famous ‘scran’ on a shoestring, try out the famous "Scouse Stew" available in a number of authentic foodie spots. 


With a full stomach, you'll be able to enjoy some of Liverpool's free attractions. Most museums including the main Liverpool Museum itself don't charge for admission. You can also check out one of the many pieces of public art, or even take advantage of one of the many free festivals the city has to offer like the Liverpool Biennial.


We recommend a walk around the Royal Albert Dock. There are free events throughout the year and you can get an amazing view of the Mersey.


Getting There:


If you're in London, just hop on the budget-friendly "Scouse Express" from Euston Station to Lime Street. Liverpool's John Lennon Airport doesn't have many direct UK connections unless you're in Northern Ireland so flying may be out. Still, if you're trying to save some cash, consider booking a coach seat with Megabus to roll into town in style. 


Getting Around:


Getting around Liverpool is as easy as a stroll down Penny Lane. The city centre's so incredibly compact, it positively invites you to put on those walking shoes. Liverpool One Shopping Area in particular dances to the rhythm of pedestrians, making your amble effortless and most importantly cost free. This makes the City an excellent choice for couples, saving you squabbles over who's going to drive or book tickets. 


Still, you can also hop on Merseytravel's magic carpet with one of their pocket-friendly daily or weekly travel passes for buses, trains, and ferries. 


Feeling energetic? City Bike also beckons with a steal of a deal, peddling bicycle rentals from a mere 25p for 15 minutes. 


Where to stay:


Kabannas Liverpool is a lively hostel, located in the heart of the city. There's a 24 hour reception, so you're free to come and go as you please when experiencing Liverpool's low-budget sights.


We have comfy dorm rooms that can sleep up to 8 people, as well as private rooms with a double bed and ensuite bathroom for just you, or both you and a travel companion.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge Newcastle


Cheap Newcastle Breaks


Why go?


Newcastle is an excellent option for cheap weekend UK getaways, with free museums, galleries and iconic landmarks. Make sure to check out the Baltic Centre on the South of the Tyne to see a constantly shifting gallery of visual art.


No trip to Newcastle would be complete without paying a visit to the Angel of the North too - an iconic piece of artwork that dominates the city skyline.


Chinatown Newcastle is also well worth a visit for tasty, low-budget meals. 


Getting There:


You can hitch a ride with a budget airline like EasyJet to whisk you and your travel buddies away to Newcastle International Airport. Connections abound from charming UK spots like Southampton, Exeter, Belfast, and Bristol.


If you're in the London area and are seeking a scenic route, hop aboard a budget-friendly coach service like Megabus. Prefer to jump on board a train to Newcastle Central Station? Bag the best bargains by booking your tickets well in advance. 


Getting Around:


Navigate Newcastle with ease on the Tyne and Wear Metro – a light rail system boasting 60 stations. Flying up North? There's even a metro link connecting the airport to the heart of the city.


Your metro journey can cover iconic Newcastle spots like St. James' Park, Monument, and Jesmond. 


The Metro Daysaver tickets grants you 24 hours of movement across the entire network. Or go for the 'Metro Hopper', which will take you anywhere throughout Zone 1 – your ticket to toon-hopping adventures!


Where to stay:


Kabannas Newcastle is just five minutes from the beating heart of the city that is Grey's Quarter. If you're really looking to save, our dorms can sleep up to 14 people - enough even to hold large groups like Newcastle FC football team, plus substitutes! 


Even if you're part of a big party, you won't feel crowded due to each dorm having two private bathrooms and a lounge area with a huge screen Smart TV. 


Visit Kabannas today to plan your last-minute UK weekend getaways.

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