The United Kingdom is steeped in history and culture, but it’s also known for its steep accommodation! However a stay in Old Blighty doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Trade the Old Dart’s big city hotels and luxury highrises for these more affordable British accommodation options.
There are few places that offer better British hospitality than its bed and breakfasts. Prices vary wildly depending on the standard of the B&B, but you’ll generally pay less than a comparable hotel. Your hosts typically operate their business out of their own home, so they tend to go the extra mile to keep the residence in peak condition. They also tend to be more accessible and knowledgeable about the local area than the average hotel employees. Don’t be afraid to ask them about affordable tourist attractions and restaurants in the UK. These tips are the kind of insider knowledge that’s never printed in the guidebooks.
After a good night’s rest you’ll be treated to a traditional English breakfast. Think freshly baked scones, bircher muesli, poached fruits, and a traditional fry-up with eggs, bacon, sausages, and black pudding. This morning meal is usually generous, so don’t be surprised if you’re still full when lunch rolls around.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the house rules before you book in to any bed and breakfast though. While hotels invite you to come and go as you please, many bed and breakfasts are a bit stricter. It’s not unusual for B&Bs to lock their doors in the evening, so they may not be the best choice for party animals!
If you want more freedom then camping may be the way to go. It’s a perfect way to soak up the country’s glorious countryside and save a bundle of cash. Pitching a tent in The Grampians, The Cambrian Mountains, or The Midlands will generally cost you less than a tenner. If you’re a fan of camping you already know its downsides, which you might even see as advantages. While it can seem romantic to sleep under the stars, the weather can turn bad without warning. The facilities are also shared, which can mean lengthy waits or an opportunity to make friends. It all depends on your point of view.
If roughing it in the wilderness doesn’t sounds like your cup of English breakfast, then glamping may be a good alternative. This new trend is like camping but with more of the “glam” creature comforts of home. The tents are much more luxurious, with couches, plush beds, and even functioning bathrooms inside. Many glamping grounds do away with tents altogether and instead use revamped camper vans or traditional Yurt huts. They’re still a bit rustic, but they provide enough indulgence to satisfy city slickers.
Holiday cottages are the perfect option for groups of friends or large families. Renting a house in Cornwall or Northumbria sounds lavish, but it’s a lot more affordable than you might think if divided between all parties. And remember that the money buys you the privacy and freedom rarely afforded on vacation.
The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben
Remember though that unlike other accommodation options, in a holiday cottage you’ll need to fend for yourself. There are no friendly hosts to cook your breakfast, and no maids to make your bed or scrub out the shower. Tending to those domestic duties can put a damper on any vacation. However cooking meals is a great way to cut those holiday costs.
So where will you stay in England? It’s smart to do your research before you set off to decide which affordable accommodation option will best suit your needs. Whatever you decide, it’s great to know that a vacation in Great Britain doesn’t have to cost the earth.
