Cheap Days Out: Budget-Friendly Fun Across the UK
Planning a day out doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, romantic getaways, or solo adventures, there are plenty of cheap days out in the UK that won’t strain your wallet. With smart planning and the right resources, you can explore museums, parks, historic sites, and more – all without overspending.
This guide uncovers the best affordable attractions, smart travel tips, and trusted websites where you can find incredible savings on days out.
Free and Low-Cost Attractions Worth Visiting
You don’t need to spend much to have a great experience. Many UK cities offer cultural, historical, and natural attractions that are either free or extremely cheap to access.
| Destination | Highlights | Typical Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|
| British Museum, London | World-famous artefacts and exhibitions | Free |
| National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh | History, science & natural world | Free |
| Cardiff Castle Grounds | Explore from outside or upgrade tour | £0–£10 |
| The Baltic Centre, Newcastle | Contemporary art exhibitions | Free |
| St. George’s Hall, Liverpool | Historic architecture & tours | Free–£5 |
| Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh | Scenic gardens and glasshouses | Free (entry), fee for glasshouses |
| The Roman Baths, Bath | Ancient bathing site | From £17.50 |
Always check the venue’s website before visiting, as some require pre-booking even if entry is free.
Outdoor Adventures for Under £10
The UK is rich with green spaces, beaches, and hiking trails that cost little or nothing to enjoy. Pack your own lunch and make the most of the outdoors.
-
The Peak District – Hike the scenic hills, explore Bakewell and Monsal Trail
-
Snowdonia National Park – Climb Mount Snowdon for breathtaking views
-
The Lake District – Enjoy lakeside walks, wild swims and nature spotting
-
Jurassic Coast – Discover fossils and walk the cliffs from Dorset to Devon
-
Richmond Park, London – Spot wild deer and cycle the expansive grounds
Parking charges may apply in some areas, so check ahead and consider car sharing or public transport.
2-for-1 Entry with Rail Travel
You can unlock discounted access to hundreds of UK attractions just by travelling by train.
The National Rail 2FOR1 scheme offers two-for-one entry when you present a valid train ticket alongside the downloaded voucher.
Popular participating attractions include:
-
London Zoo
-
SEA LIFE London
-
Tower of London
-
Warwick Castle
-
LEGOLAND Windsor
-
DreamWorks Tours Shrek’s Adventure
Book train tickets in advance to benefit from further savings using Trainline or split-ticketing sites like Split My Fare.
Budget-Friendly Family Days Out
Families can enjoy educational and entertaining experiences without spending a fortune. Here are some options that offer great value for groups with kids.
| Attraction | Location | Entry Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gulliver’s Theme Park | Milton Keynes, Warrington, Matlock | From £20 (kids under 90cm free) |
| Roald Dahl Museum | Great Missenden | Family ticket from £24 |
| Yorkshire Wildlife Park | Doncaster | From £18 per adult |
| Science and Industry Museum | Manchester | Free |
| Natural History Museum | London | Free |
| RHS Gardens on Off-Peak Days | Multiple Locations | From £6.95 |
Look out for school holiday events or “kids go free” offers during half-term breaks.
Cheap Days Out With a Taste of Luxury
Even if you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy experiences that feel premium by using the right promotions.
-
Afternoon Tea Deals: Check AfternoonTea.co.uk for offers under £20
-
Spa Day Discounts: Use Wowcher and Groupon for budget spa breaks
-
Cinema Tickets: Use Meerkat Movies or Tastecard for 2-for-1 screenings
-
River Cruises & City Tours: Use Discount London for cut-price sightseeing
Planning midweek or off-peak can reduce prices even further.
Free Events and Local Festivals
Check your local council’s website or Facebook Events for free-entry local festivals, music events, food fairs, and cultural celebrations.
Some popular free-entry annual events include:
-
Notting Hill Carnival, London
-
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
-
Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Festival (view from the city, free without ticketed access)
-
Manchester Day Parade
-
Swansea Air Show
-
Brighton Pride Parade (free to view along public routes)
Make sure to arrive early, especially for large city-wide events, to avoid travel disruptions and long queues.
Membership Schemes That Save Long-Term
If you plan to visit multiple sites or return several times in a year, a membership or pass can offer excellent value.
| Pass | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| English Heritage | From £45/year | Unlimited entry to 400+ historic sites |
| National Trust | From £84/year (family) | Free parking and access to estates and gardens |
| Merlin Pass | From £99/year | Entry to Alton Towers, SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND & more |
| Historic Scotland | From £59/year | Access to castles and landmarks across Scotland |
| Royal Horticultural Society | From £53/year | Discounted garden entries & events |
These memberships can often be shared between family members and pay off in just a few visits.
Transport Tips for Cheaper Travel
Saving on your day out isn’t just about attractions – travel costs can be cut too with smart strategies:
-
Use railcards (16-25, 26-30, Two Together, Family & Friends) for 1/3 off rail fares
-
Book National Express and Megabus tickets early for £5–£10 travel
-
Use contactless capping on TfL transport in London for best rates
-
Walk or rent bikes in cities to cut down on short trips
-
Park outside central zones and use Park & Ride services
Always compare prices across platforms like Trainline, National Rail, and Traveline before booking.
Final Thoughts
Cheap days out are entirely possible with the right planning and tools. The UK offers an impressive variety of free and affordable experiences — from museums and historic landmarks to outdoor escapes and quirky festivals.
Use deal websites, travel smart, and keep an eye on local offers to ensure you enjoy more for less, whether you’re exploring solo, as a couple, or with the whole family. With these tips, you can make lasting memories without draining your bank account.