Summer savers: Cheap Holiday Destinations in the UK and Ireland

You may have noticed that prices lately have gone through the roof. Where you used to be able to get away for the weekend relatively cheaply with a bit of planning, now even a caravan by the sea can cost a small fortune. It's not all doom and gloom though, it's definitely still possible to travel in the UK and Ireland on a budget, you just need to be savvy about how you do it and think outside the box.

The key to keeping in budget is to choose your destination wisely. Head into London for example and of course you're going to end up paying over the odds. If you do your research though, and look for cheaper towns and cities to stay in, you can have just as much fun for a much smaller price ticket.

Access exclusive savings

Many travellers will be used to looking for deals and discounts online, often spending hours trying to track down the best prices across multiple websites. Some companies offer exclusive discounts on travel and accommodation through affordable membership packages. One well-reviewed service is Opodo Prime, which offers members significant discounts on flights, hotel and car hire for a fixed annual fee. If you're a frequent traveller membership schemes like this become even more valuable.

Travel out of season

One simple way to save money on travel in the UK and Ireland is to travel at off-peak times. This normally means outside of the school holidays, especially in July and August. You'll often find that late June or early September means you can still catch the good weather, but you won't pay a holiday premium and tourist areas will be much quieter too. If you're flying, be flexible with the day of the week and time of the day that you travel. Open your search to include nearby airports - you may find that flights or airport parking are cheaper a little further down the road.

Affordable destinations in the UK and Ireland

When it comes specifically to cheap destinations, the lowest prices are normally to be found in the areas that are less popular with tourists, off the beaten track and away from large cities or typical holiday hotspots like the south coast or historic cities like Oxford and Cambridge. You'll often find that you get more for your money further north too. Let's take a look at some alternatives:

Northumberland

Northumberland is the most sparsely populated country in England and in terms of tourism, it's still relatively undiscovered. If you decide to visit Northumberland then you're in for a treat - it's home to some amazing scenery, including National Parks, majestic coastlines and haunted castles. Don't forget to get outside after dark too - Northumberland has minimal light pollution and so is perfect for stargazing.

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Yorkshire Dales

If you're looking for classic English rolling countryside, the Yorkshire Dales are absolutely prime and not too expensive either. Hiking and cycling are both popular pastimes for visitors, as is caving - the Dales are home to an intricate system of caves and potholes, making it a great destination for underground exploration. Check out White Scar Cave, Ingleborough Cave, and Gaping Gill.

Rural Wales

Areas like Cardiff and Snowdonia can be popular and potentially more expensive, there are plenty of charming and affordable spots in Wales if you travel a bit further, away from the tourist hotspots. We recommend taking a look at the Brecon Beacons, particularly the hiking trails that take in multiple waterfalls.

Causeway Coast and Glens

The Causeway Coast and Glens is a beautiful area of Northern Ireland around the north coast, including the famous Giant's Causeway. Although there is plenty to do in the area, it's not as full of tourists as some places so can be cheaper to visit. Find inspiration for things to do on this Causeway Coast bucket list, including snorkelling in hidden caves and taking a tour of traditional Irish music venues.

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Scottish Highlands

Proof that heading north can save you money! Some parts of Scotland can be expensive, particularly Edinburgh, the Highlands offer a different take on Scotland at a discount price. Loch Ness of course is the most popular attraction for visitors, so take a cruise out on the loch and see if you can spot the mythical beast. The Highlands are home to many renowned whisky distilleries so take a tour to learn about the whisky-making process and sample some of Scotland's finest spirits - it would be rude not to!

Donegal

This county in the northwest of Ireland is one of the country's less tourist-heavy areas, so it's a little cheaper to visit than places like Dublin and Galway. Be sure to visit Glenveagh National Park with its pristine lakes, mountains, and woodlands and to visit Glenveagh Castle. It's also worth a trip to Malin Head so that you can say you've been to the northernmost point of the island of Ireland. 

Wexford

A quick ferry ride away is the Irish coastal county of Wexford with its beautiful beaches, historical sites and cultural events, including the Wexford Opera Festival, held annually in October. It's quieter than a lot of other coastal areas of Ireland but has plenty of unique attractions. Do pay a visit to Hook Lighthouse - it's the oldest intact working lighthouse in the world, which is a pretty impressive claim to fame. Hook Lighthouse, built over 800 years ago, was recently voted one of Ireland's favourite attractions.

If this has made you want to rush and pack a bag and jump in the car then we hope you have a brilliant time wherever you choose to go! Remember that the secret is in the planning and then location, location, location. Choose a destination that's away from the typical tourist traps and you could end up being able to afford to stay even longer!