TOTUM's Top Five Budget UK City Breaks For 2023

Looking for your next city break but want to avoid the stress of airports?

You can find everything you're looking for right on your doorstep with our top five budget UK city breaks - and best of all they won't break the bank.

From Newcastle to Cardiff, we've compiled a list of the best budget city breaks in the UK, making it easier than ever to find the perfect destination for you.

What's more, you can get 8% off local deals with Groupon as well as taking advantage of tastecard's discounted days out at the UK's best attractions to make your trip that much better (and cheaper!). You'll get a 12 months free tastecard for every year's TOTUM membership you purchase.

And when it comes to travelling to your chosen city with ease on a budget, you can grab 15% student discount on coach travel when you book online with National Express!

And if you're travelling by train don't miss out on 25% off ticket prices for certain routes with Transpennine Express and 10% discount on CrossCountry advance tickets.

So without further ado, here's we recommend you should head off to...

1. Cardiff

The most affordable capital city in the UK, Cardiff is well worth a visit.

From cosy Welsh pubs to walks along stunning nearby beaches such as Cold Knap and Penarth, you'll find an abundance of things to do - all at a super reasonable price or free entirely.

Some free or low cost things to do in Cardiff include:

• Visit Cardiff Castle

• Explore St Fagans National Museum of History

• Browse Cardiff market

• Stroll around Brute Park

2. Liverpool

Looking to immerse yourself in Liverpool's incredible history? This bustling city is ideal for a budget city break, with a thriving art and music scene.

Fan of The Beatles? Why not visit the bars of Mathew Street including The Cavern Club - birthplace of the Fab Four - or the award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’; the world's largest permanent exhibition devoted to telling the story of the band's rise to fame.

Some free or low cost things to do in Liverpool include:

• Stroll along the historic Liverpool Waterfront - a must-see for the Three Graces and iconic Royal Liver Building

• Take your pick from a range of museums and galleries, including the Walker Art Gallery, FACT, the Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum

• Ferry across the Mersey

• Visit Another Place sculptures on Crosby Beach - a modern sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley 

3. Newcastle

There's nowhere quite like Newcastle, and even a night out in this wonderful city won't set you back much.

Renowned for its thriving nightlife and beautiful scenery, Newcastle is the place to go for a fun-packed, budget friendly break in the UK.

From bar-hopping to visiting the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, there's plenty to keep you occupied.

Some free or low cost things to do in Newcastle include:

• Visit the fantastic museums and galleries, including Discovery Museum, the Laing Art Gallery, and the Life Science Centre

• Walk along the Quayside

• Stroll around Jesmond Dene, a serene wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn 

• Visit the Tyne Bridge

• Visit Ouseburn Farm, a charity and city-based farm based in the heart of Newcastle

4. Glasgow

Glasgow is a city brimming with fun things to do and explore without having to splash the cash.

From live music to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, there's plenty of culture to soak up in this fantastic Scottish city.

If you're a fan of Gothic architecture, visits to Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis are an absolute must.

Some free or low cost things to do in Glasgow include:

• Visit The Burrell Collection, a unique, modern gallery with interactive and immersive experiences

• Stop for a whiskey (or your drink of choice) in The Ben Nevis Bar, ideal for an authentic, cosy experience thanks to its frequent live Scottish folk music performances

• Visit the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, a museum and glasshouse located in Glasgow Green

• Explore Pollock Country Park

• Visit the Britannia Panopticon, the oldest surviving music hall in the world

• Go on the City Centre Mural Trail Glasgow 

5. Belfast

For a city full of rich history and heritage, look no further than Belfast.

With plenty of attractions and stunning scenery to immerse yourself in, you can easily visit Belfast on a budget.

Some free or low cost things to do in Belfast include:

• Explore Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience located at the birthplace of RMS Titatnic

• Hike the Black Mountain, offering spectacular views over Belfast 

• Visit St George's Market, the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast

• Visit Ulster Museum

• Explore Botanic Gardens, the Tropical Ravine and Palm House

• Stroll through Stormont Estate, a peaceful woodland park

Save on your next budget UK city break with TOTUM

Remember, we're here to help you save wherever possible - whether that's discounted days out during your trip or incredible discounts with a range of hotel providers including:

• 10% off + flexible cancellations with Hotels.com

• Rooms for £34 or less with Travelodge

• 10% off hotels with Expedia

• 12% off hostel accommodation with Hostelling Scotland

• At least 15% off early 2023 deals with Booking.com

And if you're looking to travel a little further afield check out our Top European City Breaks blog and our Best Travel Deals for 2023 blogs too!

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