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Travel Tips for Exploring the United Kingdom
England is famous for “the rugby”, the princely couple William and Kate, London, and the Thames. So, these are all worthy representatives of England. If some are interested in palaces and cathedrals, others will be looking for budget-friendly ways to experience the United Kingdom’s top attractions. The country’s tourist attractions come in three flavors.
There’s a conventional United Kingdom, with royalty and all that goes with it: palaces, cathedrals, guards, and even the personalities of the royal family. Then there’s the famous ancient city of London, with its remarkable buildings, greenish gardens, museums, lavish stores, and the River Thames; it is recommended for all must-see places that leave cultural tourism enthusiasts in awe.
And then there’s England, a destination for sports enthusiasts. They’ll be able to explore the country’s well-developed trails and find their preferred route with a wide choice of possibilities.
Last but not least, the United Kingdom is a land of relaxation and pure entertainment, so you might be interested in getting more information about car rentals for young drivers. Whether you’re a sports fan, a history buff, or a holidaymaker looking for a quiet place to rest, you’ll find the best car hire for under-21s in England with Rental24.co.uk.
Money-saving tips for affordable travel: from hotels to shopping
Accommodation
Accommodation will certainly fit into your budget. Youth hostels are the cheapest form of hard-standing accommodation (although…), along with chain hotels, if you book well in advance. B&Bs are still the friendliest way to discover the British way of life, and the big advantage is that breakfast is included in the price.
Planning your trip during off-peak times for better deals is like playing a game of ‘Vacation Bargain Hunting’. It’s like finding a hidden treasure chest filled with discounted flights, budget-friendly accommodations, and a secret coupon code for unlimited gelato!
If you’re traveling with several people, many youth hostels, hotels, and B&Bs offer family rooms. And don’t overlook self-catering. They’re very practical for families and save money on meals.
The price categories shown on our pages are for a double room, breakfast included for bed & breakfasts, and generally extra for other addresses:
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Camping: approx. £12–25 (approx. €13–28) for 2 people, with tent and car.
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Budget: up to £25 (approx. €28) per person, or less than £50 for 2 (approx. €55). These are mainly youth hostels. Breakfast is generally not included.
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Average prices: £50-90 (approx. €55-99) for 2. These are mainly B&Bs (most in the £70–80 range).
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Chic: £90-120 (approx. €99-132).
Restaurants
Prices are essentially for a main course, without drinks or set menus, excluding tips (10–15%).
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Inexpensive: dishes cost less than £10 (approx. €11). Mainly in coffee shops, fish & chip stalls, museum cafeterias, and some pubs.
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Average prices: £10–20 (approximately €11).
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More chic: dishes £20–30 (approx. €22–33).
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Very chic: dishes over £30 (€33).
Museums
Well, what about free and low-cost activities in the United Kingdom?
Therefore, you have to maintain a real budget, with some castles charging over £25! Keep in mind that prices go up every year. More surprisingly, some cathedrals also charge admission. We’d strongly advise you to consider a pass, which is more economical if you want to make several visits, and to give priority to visiting the national museums, which are… free. But don’t forget to make a donation in the free places that suggest it, as the British are quite sticklers for this principle.
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The English Heritage pass permits you to visit over 100 historic sites with unlimited access, including Stonehenge, for £37–44 per adult over 9 or 16 days (couple and family tickets).
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Even more economical (because it includes more interesting sites), the National Trust pass allows you to visit over 300 properties for £41–47 per adult for 7 or 14 days (couple and family tickets).
Some useful tips:
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If you buy your tickets online for the main tourist sites, you’ll sometimes benefit from a small discount. Tourist offices sometimes sell tickets cheaper than museum ticket offices.
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Moreover, people in their 60s are lucky, as they often benefit from reduced rates, as do students (don’t forget your card!) and families.
Tipping
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It’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip at a restaurant. Don’t deviate from this quasi-legal rule; an oversight would make you look like a rude person. Of course, if the service is poor (which is rare!), you can reduce this amount, but you must then make your remarks known to the person in charge. More restaurants are systematic, including service in the bill, which is simpler and easier.
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The 10 to 15% rule also applies to cabs.
It’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip at a restaurant. Don’t deviate from this quasi-legal rule; an oversight would make you look like a rude person.
Shopping and souvenirs from England
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Food: a whole host of colorful sweets, marmalade, and lemon curd, as well as Indian products, tea, cheese (cheddar, stichelton) and the crackers that go with it, custard, chutneys, cookies (Scottish shortbread, fruit shortcakes, etc.), crumpets, muffins or scones, the popular quality street bonbons or after eight chocolates, soft toffees, etc.
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Also, you can buy quality underwear and other clothing from Marks & Spencer.
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Don’t hesitate to visit the charity shops, a concept made in the United Kingdom. There are hundreds of community stores that sell second-hand clothes and crockery, donated by private individuals. Some are indeed very good deals.