Top UK Cities for a Low-Cost Yet Fun Summer Holiday

Whilst a far-flung trip might be the ideal summer holiday getaway for some, the rising living costs mean people are more mindful of holiday expenses than ever before. The good news? If Brits know where to go, a UK staycation can deliver just as much culture, greenery, and adventure for a budget-friendly price. 

Looking into various cost-related metrics such as meal and travel prices, as well as cultural and recreational amenities like museums, theatres, and green spaces, SumUp has revealed the best cities in the UK for a low-cost staycation during the summer holidays. Additionally, they spoke to Ebony Cropper, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, who shared their smart hacks for cutting costs whilst planning a staycation.

The best UK cities for a budget-friendly staycation

Rank	City	Total Score (out of 100)
1	Derry	71.32
2	Edinburgh	60.85
3	Liverpool	58.39
4	Preston	57.42
5	Belfast	53.31
6	Kingston upon Hull	53.05
7	Nottingham	52.86
8	Leicester	50.13
9	Sheffield	47.34
10	Stoke-on-Trent	47.19

Derry emerged as the top location in the UK for a staycation, standing out in particular for its affordability.  The city boasts the lowest average meal cost at only £10 as well as one of the most affordable cups of coffee at £3.14, but that wasn’t all. Perhaps the most important finding for some, Derry also has the lowest average price of beer, with a pint setting punters back just £3.97, 21% lower than the national average.

Outside of costs, Derry also scored well when it came to cultural amenities, with 25 museums and 33 landmarks per 100,000 people. 

Edinburgh ranked in second place, a firm favourite for those seeking a staycation steeped in history and culture. The Scottish capital earned the highest score for museums, with 26 of them per 100,000 people. From the grandeur of The Royal Yacht Britannia to the nostalgia of the Museum of Childhood, there’s plenty to discover and learn about. The city also ranked as the safest in the ranking, achieving the highest safety score of 69 out of 100, making it an appealing choice for families and solo travellers alike.  

Liverpool lands in third place with a score of 58.39, boasting 173 free activities per 100,000 people, thanks to the huge variety of museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. Speaking of landmarks, the city has 57 per 100,000 people, scoring higher than any other location. 

Several other locations in the top 10 also stood out for their strengths. Despite ranking fourth, Preston boasts the highest number of fashion designer stores, with 45 per 100,000 people. Leicester takes the crown for the cheapest coffee, where a cappuccino will only set you back £2.67 on average. While Stoke-on-Trent rounds out the list in 10th place, it offers the most affordable transport, with a 5km taxi journey costing just £7.05, the lowest fare among the top 10 cities ranked.

Cash-saving tips from the expert

To find out how people can save some extra pennies while on a staycation, SumUp asked Ebony Cropper, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, for their best cost-cutting tips:

Think like a local, not a tourist – “Staycations are a brilliant way to unwind without overspending, but the real savings come when you think like a local, not a tourist. Most councils publish free ‘what’s on’ guides packed with local events, festivals, markets, and walking trails. These are often overlooked by visitors but can help you fill your days without spending a penny.”

Use loyalty points for free days out – “Before you go, check your Tesco Clubcard or Nectar account. You can often swap points for discounted or even free entry to theme parks, museums, or family attractions, sometimes worth double the face value. This can save families £50 – £100 on just one day out.”

Cut travel costs with a few smart hacks – “If you’re travelling by train, split-ticketing websites can save you up to 40% without changing your journey. Drivers can even benefit from supermarket fuel promotions. And once you’re there, opt for local public transport. Family bus passes are often under £10, and many holiday towns offer free park-and-ride schemes.”

Pack smart to avoid food and drink costs – “Bringing basics like cereal, snacks, tea bags, and refillable water bottles means you can skip pricey café stops. Avoiding one café breakfast and a few drinks a day can save a family of four over £200 on a week-long break. Don’t forget to try apps like Too Good To Go for discounted food from cafés and bakeries too.”

Stick to a daily budget and use cash – “It might sound old-fashioned, but setting a daily spending limit and withdrawing that in cash is one of the best ways to avoid overspending. We’ve seen people cut their holiday costs by up to 40% using this method alone.”

Plan for free fun – “Nature is your best friend on a staycation. Beaches, forests, and national parks offer hours of entertainment for free. Download free treasure hunt or trail apps to keep the kids entertained, or bring board games and books for cosy nights in.”

Corin Camenisch, Product Marketing Lead at SumUp had this to say on the findings: “With an increased focus on domestic travel, as well as the cost-of-living crisis still being prevalent, we wanted to highlight the most cost-effective cities for a staycation in the UK. Not only does this encourage budget-friendly travel, but it also encourages local spending and supports local businesses due to extra traffic and tourism. 

While some of the cities in our report are popular hotspots among tourists, we hope to shed insight on budget-friendly locations that can also provide memorable experiences that are rich in culture without breaking the bank.”

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