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18 ways to explore England on a budget

A hand holding a box of fish and chips at the beach on a bright sunny day

From cliff-backed beaches and quaint villages to vibrant cities and historic sights, England has plenty to entice visitors. But it can also be a fairly expensive destination, particularly in terms of accommodations, tours and sightseeing

The good news? Many of England’s museums, natural sights and heritage attractions are free. Public transportation can be affordable when planned in advance, and plenty of wallet-friendly dining options exist: from pub lunches to the iconic takeaway fish and chips. 

Even London, famously one of Europe’s most expensive cities, can be explored on a budget if you’re careful. Outside of the major tourist destinations, the rest of England becomes much more affordable, so heading off the beaten path can be particularly rewarding. 

Get ready to explore the land of rolling countryside, ancient castles, and dazzling white cliffs with these top money-saving tips and a guide to daily costs.

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Expect to pay around £10 for a takeout portion of fish and chips © creacart / Getty Images

Average daily costs in England

Hostel room: £15–30 (dorm bed)
Hotel room for two: £100
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): £70 
Camping pitch: £20–30
Single bus ticket: £2.80 (can reach over £6 in rural areas)
Coffee: £3
Takeaway sandwich: £3
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: £30–50 
Pint at the bar: £4–6
Takeaway fish and chips: £10
Pub lunch: £12.50–25

Total average daily cost per person: £50–150

Bear in mind that travel costs – particularly accommodation – vary significantly across England depending on the destination. Prices in London and other popular cities are generally much higher than in smaller towns or rural areas.

Figure out which London airport is the cheapest to fly to

London has six major airports but transport costs into the city center – or further afield – can vary widely. To figure out which airport is cheapest to fly to in England, you should factor in the onward travel costs to your final destination. 

Heathrow, London’s main and busiest airport, is on the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line and the new Elizabeth Line, so travel into central London can cost as little as £5.60. Buses from Heathrow Central Bus Station can provide affordable onward travel to the rest of England. 

The second largest airport, Gatwick, competes directly with…

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