England on a Budget: 8 Tips for an Affordable Adventure

A trip to England doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. And we’re gonna prove it. Yep, you can get the full royal treatment—strolling the charming streets of London, visiting the picturesque countryside, and indulging in local cuisine (read: fish and chips)—without breaking the bank.

Sit back, relax, and get ready for some tips that’ll help you plan a trip to England on a budget while still enjoying everything the country has to offer.

1. Book ahead

The first step in planning a budget-friendly trip is starting early. If you wait until the last minute, everything’s gonna cost more. When you choose an England trip with EF Ultimate Break, the earlier you book, the less you pay. It’s really that simple. And by saving money up front, you’ll have more to spend once your trip begins.

2. Travel during off-peak season

Consider traveling to England during the low season—November to April. Besides a few exceptions around the winter holidays, England doesn’t see as many tourists during these months, which means everything’s cheaper. And with fewer crowds, you’ll be free to explore the travel hot spots without quite as many strangers ruining your perfect photo.

3. Do free stuff

England’s practically famous for its free museums. From the iconic British Museum to the fascinating galleries at the Tate Modern, you could spend days immersing yourself in art, history, and culture—without spending a dime. And if museums aren’t your jam, you know what else is free? Parks. And gardens. Also, churches and cathedrals. Suffice to say, you won’t run out of free things to do in England.

4. Mind the gap

When navigating cities like London, public transportation is your friend. The London Underground, known to locals as the Tube, is easy to navigate and will take you all around the city. Not to mention it will cost you significantly less than taxis or rideshares.

5. Put one foot in front of the other

You know what costs even less than public transportation? Walking! Lace up your most comfortable shoes and set out to explore England’s cities and countryside by foot. Not only is walking free, but it gives you the opportunity to stumble upon hidden gems like cafes, restaurants, and pubs you may not have noticed otherwise. Speaking of eating and drinking, walking also happens to burn calories, so you’ll be making room for all the fish, chips, and pints you’ve been dreaming of.

6. Go with your mates

A bigger travel group means bigger savings, because when you can split things like accommodations, transportation, and meals, you’ll spend less. Plus, if you get some friends to come on an EF Ultimate Break trip to England with you, everybody could save up to $200. And even better, if you get 9 mates to join your trip, you’ll travel for free! Doesn’t get more budget-friendly than that.

7. Eat at markets

Eating is a top 5 travel activity, but it can also get expensive if you aren’t careful. The best eating advice we can give you while traveling to England on a budget is this: go to markets. Not only are these public spaces chock full of affordable food options, but they’re also where the locals go. If you find yourself in London, check out Borough Market and treat your taste buds to a variety of good eats—from street food to gourmet cheeses.

8. Use your student discount

Going to school is expensive, which is why student discounts exist in the first place. So if you are a student, it’s a good idea to bring that student ID with you on all of your travel adventures. The discount may not always be huge, but every little bit helps when you’re planning a trip to England on a budget.

Whether you’re leaving for your trip tomorrow or thinking about booking a trip to England in the future, you’re now equipped with some tricks for saving some moolah across the pond. Before you go, we’ll leave you with just a few more tips. When you book with us, you can take advantage of our latest trip deals, and then, pay over time, interest-free to break up the cost of travel into small, manageable payments. Cheers to that.