Where to Go in the UK This Summer: Top Destinations Under £300
Summer in the UK is full of charm — long days, coastal vibes, and cute towns that don’t need a plane ticket. Ready to explore without breaking the bank? Here are five top destinations under £300 that combine sunshine, culture, and easy weekend escape.
1. Cornwall: Surf, Sand & Coastal Villages
A woman sits beside small fishing boats in a charming UK seaside village harbor, surrounded by colorful vessels and historic stone buildings, with hills in the background.
Escape to the rugged southwestern tip of England, where charming fishing villages, golden beaches, and dramatic cliffs await. Cornwall is a surfer’s paradise, especially in Newquay, while places like St Ives and Port Isaac offer art, seafood, and postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you’re walking the coastal paths or enjoying a cream tea by the sea, Cornwall is pure summer magic — and it’s easy to visit on a budget.
Why you’ll love it:
Blue waters, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs
Take it slow in St Ives or Newquay
👉 Top activity: Book a Surf Lesson in Newquay with Viator
Make the most of Cornwall’s famous waves with expert-led surf lessons perfect for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
Budget breakdown (per person):
👩❤️👨 Train from London Paddington to Penzance: ~£80 return
🏨 2-night stay in a local B&B or holiday cottage: ~£60–£80
Tip: Book early through Expedia UK for coastal hotels and cottages.
Skyscanner alternative: Check trains and coach options via Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” tool.
2. York: History & Chocolate on a Budget
View of York’s historic city center with York Minster towering in the background, seen from an empty street lined with old stone walls and red-brick buildings on a cloudy day.
Step into a city steeped in history with Gothic architecture, Roman walls, and narrow lanes like The Shambles. York is ideal for travelers who love culture, cathedrals, and a touch of mystery.
Why you’ll love it:
Cobblestone streets, Viking ship museum, York Minster
Great food scene — and chocolate!
👉 Historic York Walking Tour with a Local Guide – Discover York’s iconic landmarks like The Shambles, York Minster, and the city walls on this relaxed 2-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Great way to uncover hidden gems and stories behind the cobbled streets.
Budget breakdown:
🚌 Coach from London: ~£30–£40 return
🏨 Budget hotels / guesthouses: ~£70–£90 for 2 nights
Book through:
Expedia UK for package deals or Skyscanner for flexible transport.
3. Lake District: Nature Lovers’ Paradise
Peaceful lakeside view in England’s Lake District, with colorful cottage gardens, lush greenery, and dramatic cloud-filled skies over the water.
Whether you’re hiking in Windermere or sailing on Derwentwater, the Lake District is an outdoor paradise. Expect breathtaking landscapes, literary history, and affordable guesthouses nestled among England’s most dramatic natural beauty.
Why you’ll love it:
Rolling fells, serene lakes, and hiking trails
Perfect for unplugging and recharging
👉 [Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour] – A guided minivan tour covering ten lakes, mountain passes, and hidden gems. Includes a Lake District boat cruise for serene water views.
Budget breakdown:
🚗 Coach to Manchester: ~£20–£30
🚆 Train to a Lakeland town: ~£10 return
🏨 Cottage or B&B: ~£100 for 2 nights (split with a friend)
Tip:
Pack your groceries for self-catering savings
Use Skyscanner to compare train + accommodation combo options.
4. Brighton: Seaside Fun & Lively Vibes
righton Pier at sunset, with golden light reflecting on the sea and silhouetted Victorian architecture in the UK’s popular coastal city.
This vibrant seaside city is full of color, creativity, and cool cafés. Stroll along the iconic pier, enjoy fish and chips on the pebble beach, or browse the quirky shops in The Lanes. A great coastal option under £300.
Why you’ll love it:
Famous pier, colorful streets, cool cafés
Walkable and easy to explore in a weekend
👉 [Secrets of the Lanes Walking Tour] – A fun semi-private tour through The Lanes, uncovering history, shops, cafés, and Brighton cultural hotspots.
Budget breakdown:
🚆 Train from London: ~£50 return
🏨 Boutique guesthouse: ~£80 for 2 nights
Book through:
Expedia UK for bundled hotel deals or Skyscanner for day train tickets. ()
5. Scotland: Edinburgh + Highlands Beauty
St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, viewed from a busy street lined with Georgian-style buildings and traffic under the evening light.
Scotland’s capital buzzes with energy in summer, especially during the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Explore the historic Royal Mile, hike up Arthur’s Seat, and soak in castle views — all without breaking the bank.
Why you’ll love it:
Edinburgh’s castle, winding Old Town, bagpipes!
Highlands side trip for wild, dramatic landscapes
👉 [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Skip The Line] – A small-group walking tour through Edinburgh Castle with skip‑the‑line entry for less waiting and more history.
Budget breakdown:
✈️ Flight from London to Edinburgh: from £40 one-way (Skyscanner)
🚆 Highlands day trip by train or coach: ~£30–£40 return
🏨 B&B in Edinburgh: ~£90–£110 for 2 nights
Book flights via Skyscanner — flexible searches start at £40
Hotels via Expedia UK — filter by location and price.
💡 Money-Saving Tips for UK Summer Travel
Book Transport Midweek
Train/coach tickets are cheapest on Tuesdays or Wednesdays .
Use “Everywhere” and “Drops” Tools
Skyscanner’s “Drops” shows flash fare reductions (e.g., Malaga or Montenegro deals) .
Good for booking budget last-minute flights.
Package Holiday Savings
Expedia bundles (flight + hotel) can offer significant savings — sometimes cheaper than booking separately .
Consider Off-Peak & Shoulder Seasons
May or September offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds at lower prices .
✈️ Book Smart: Expedite & Skyscanner Links
Flights & Hotels (Expedia UK)
Flights Only (Expedia UK)
Flight Comparison (Skyscanner)
Final Thoughts
This summer, the UK is wide open for dreamy, budget-friendly escapes — without needing to spend £300 on flights or hotels.
Whether you’re craving coastal bliss, cultural charm, city buzz, or mountain air — there’s a weekend trip calling your name.
Book early, travel smart, and use the Expedia + Skyscanner links for the best value.
You’ve got this. 🌞
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Written by Alex Xygkas, founder of AlwaysTravel.org — a curated travel deal site trusted by globetrotters across the UK, USA, and South Africa. With 20+ years of lived travel experience and industry insight, Alex shares expert tips for smarter, stress-free adventures.
