What’s better than a UK holiday break?
1. Hartlepool
Securing the top spot as the “UK’s Most Affordable Travel Destination” is Hartlepool – a popular destination in England’s North East famous for its seafaring history.
Combining 7th century history with modern amenities and attractions, Hartlepool offers a lot to do in a compact, easily walkable area, with a per night hotel price starting from £92.16.
Hartlepool offers many activities for those budget-conscious travellers ensuring no shortage of fun to be had. Free things to do include taking a tour of the HMS Trincomalee, visiting the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, and exploring the expansive Summerhill Country Park with its ponds, BMX track, and climbing boulders.
Food and drink are also affordable – £11.45 for a meal out compared to a £14.50 average, and £3.50 for a pint compared to £4.30 making Hartlepool the number one spot for affordable city breaks in our study.
2. Hull
Coming in at a close second is Hull, which scored well across the board for affordability.
Hull’s average hotel cost is about one-third of London's £306.64 per night at around £110, while public transport is the second most affordable at just £2 for a one-way ticket ensuring you can save your pennies for fun activities.
Hull boasts an array of free activities including the Streetlife Museum of Transport, the Hull Maritime Museum, the Hull and East Riding Museum, and the Hands On History Museum. The Humber Bridge, just outside of Hull, is also free to walk and cycle across, providing amazing views of the Humber Estuary and a great free activity.
For an affordable spot for lunch head over to East Park which is considered the best park in Hull and the perfect backdrop for a picnic and a day of fun.
The Hands On History Museum is particularly popular with children – its three galleries include 450 items of historic costume and accessories, an interactive Victorian experience, and even a 2,600-year-old mummy!
Travelling by train to Hull means no traffic, motorways, or parking to worry about, and 70% greener than travelling by car!
Opens in a new windowHoliday Inn Hull City Centre
The Holiday Inn Express Hull is the perfect place for a budget-friendly stay that does not compromise your relaxation and comfort. Find yourself in the heart of Hull city centre, close to the railway station, and popular attractions like Hull Truck Theatre and MKM Stadium which is a 18-minute walk.
Opens in a new windowDoubletree by Hilton Hull
The Doubletree by Hilton in Hull is perfect for travellers looking for a bit of luxury with their stay. Get a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant: Marco Pierre White, which serves lunch and dinner, then take a trip to the bar and terrace where you can take in stunning views of Hull city. Close to popular attractions such as the Hull New Theatre and the Hull Marina.
Opens in a new windowGreen Ginger House Hotel
Closely located to the train station, The Green Ginger House Hull is an independent hotel that treats travellers to a central location, lovingly decorated rooms, and delightful Georgian architecture. This hotel is perfect for those looking for an independent and unique stay that ensures comfort and quality.
3. Doncaster
With an overall score just shy of 76 out of 100, Doncaster is another UK destination that offers great value places to stay and affordable things to do.
Some of the best free things to do include Cusworth Hall, Minster Church of Saint George, Stainforth Force, and Drakeholes – and you can get to Doncaster by train easily and in comfort with LNER. Another must-visit is the DANUM Gallery, Library and Museum which is free to visit and is sure to spark curiosity, inspiration and imagination for all ages.
After a day full of exploring, Doncaster offers the most affordable meal out of all the locations analysed at £10, as well as a top five rating placing for affordable coffee at £2.63 ensuring you can stay well-fed and caffeinated.
Opens in a new windowHoliday Inn Express Doncaster
Rated 10/10 by most travellers, the Holiday Inn Express Doncaster is the perfect place for a budget-friendly stay that does not compromise on your relaxation and comfort. Find yourself in the heart of Doncaster, close to the railway station, and popular attractions like Doncaster Dome and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Opens in a new windowHilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse
The Hilton Garden Inn is eco-certified as part of the Green Tourism Programme, so you can sleep soundly in your clean and spacious room fitted with blackout curtains, knowing that you're doing your bit for the environment. All with an outstanding British restaurant and fitness centre access included. Close to popular attractions from other amazing restaurants to the racecourse which is a brisk one minute walk away.
Opens in a new windowThe Earl of Doncaster Hotel
Just a 10-minute walk from Doncaster Racecourse, this luxury independent hotel is unique and quirky, with decadently decorated rooms and a highly rated restaurant - Cafe Bar Concerto, which serves British cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. Close to popular destinations like the Lakeside Village Shopping Outlet which is a four-minute drive away.
4. West Bromwich
5. Darlington
Opens in a new windowHoliday Inn Darlington
Located close to Darlington Railway station, this Holiday Inn has a fitness centre and a restaurant - Brasserie 59, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. This hotel is perfect for those wanting a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
Opens in a new windowHotel Bannatyne Darlington
A short distance from the Railway station, the Hotel Bannatyne is an indulgent stay for travellers interested in massages at the spa, excellent British cuisine served at the on-site restaurant, Maxines, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and visits to the bar equipped with a delightful terrace. Close to Darlington's popular attractions like Raby Castle which is a 12 minute walk away.
Opens in a new windowRockcliffe Hall Hotel
Rockcliffe Hall Hotel offers a luxurious experience for travellers from playing 18-hole golf on their onsite golf course, a trip to their renowned spa that includes deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology, to use of an outdoor pool complete with a pool-side bar. This hotel boasts three restaurants, one being The Orangery which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you'll be spoiled for choice during your stay here.
6. Harlow
7. Gloucester
8. Burnley
9. Hastings
10. Middlesbrough
Rounding off our top ten is Middlesbrough, which scored well with an average nightly hotel price of £113.30, as well as £11.45 for a meal, £3.75 for a drink and £2.63 for a coffee.
The town is a melting pot of Victorian architecture and industrial heritage, with 129 listed buildings in the local area, the iconic Transporter and Tees Newport Bridges, and several public sculptures to admire. Some 'can’t miss' attractions include the famous Transporter Bridge which serves as the perfect backdrop for photos, Teessaurus Park and MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), featuring a variety of galleries and exhibitions.
Opens in a new windowHoliday Inn Express Middlesbrough
The Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough is the perfect place for a budget-friendly stay that does not compromise on your relaxation and comfort. Find yourself in the heart of Middlesbrough town centre, close to the railway station, and popular attractions like Middlesbrough Theatre, the town hall, and the Riverside Stadium. Here, you'll also be close to several good quality restaurants from sophisticated dining spots to casual bites.
Opens in a new windowHampton by Hilton Hotel
With comfy beds and a convenient location just outside of Middlesbrough town centre in Stockton-on-Tees, Hampton by Hilton is a great stay for all types of travellers. Relax in the restaurant, take a trip to the onsite fitness centre or take in a great view from the Terrace with a drink in hand. Here, you'll be close to plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants in Stockton-on-Tees or take a short ten minute drive to the centre of Middlesbrough to find even more popular attractions from the cinema to crazy golf.
Opens in a new windowLeonardo Hotel Middlesbrough
You can't get much closer to the Middlesbrough station than Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough. It offers a luxury feel, with a pool, fitness suite and a tasty menu, all whilst maintaining an affordable price. Right in the heart of the city, you'll have easy access to everything Middlesbrough has to offer, plus at the end of your stay, it's so easy to pop across to the station and you're on your way home with LNER.