10 Girls’ Weekend Away UK Destinations for 2026
Girls’ weekends away in the UK are more popular than ever! With this in mind, we know you’re likely...
by Maia Noden / Travel Tips
Saving money doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on a great holiday and our guide on how to book a staycation on a budget is here to prove that!
Did you know that 35% of people choose a staycation over a foreign holiday because it’s cheaper? With the cost of living still front of mind for many, it’s no surprise that more and more UK travellers are looking for ways to enjoy a well-earned break without breaking the bank.
If you’re wondering how to book a UK holiday on a budget, the good news is that it’s easier than you might think. With a few savvy tips and a bit of good planning, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable getaway, whether you’re heading to the coast, countryside or city.
Keep on scrolling to find the top 6 tips on how to book the cheapest holiday…
Our first tip for booking a staycation on a budget is to book last-minute. When it comes to planning a staycation, booking early isn’t your only option, in fact, leaving it a little later could save you money. But what exactly are last-minute holidays, and are they really worth the wait?
A last-minute holiday is typically one that’s booked within a few weeks of the holiday date. While some worry that all the ‘best’ holiday homes might get snapped up quickly, that’s not always the case. Owners may release more availability or reduce prices closer to the date to fill gaps in their calendars, making it a great opportunity for budget-friendly travellers.
Most booking websites now allow you to filter by date up until one day before the holiday begins, meaning that you can easily identify properties that have last-minute availability.
At Sykes Holiday Cottages, we have over 22,000 properties listed across the UK in our portfolio, so even if you’ve left it a little late, there’s a very good chance you’ll still find your perfect break with us.
You wouldn’t be alone in trying to save money by booking last minute either. According to the latest Sykes Staycation Index data, 24% of all UK breaks are booked within a month of departure, and average lead times have decreased by 8% year-on-year. This shows a growing trend towards spontaneity, and it’s one that could work in your favour if you’re looking to book a UK holiday on a budget.
Alternatively, if you already know where you’d like to go or what type of holiday you’d like to book, you can navigate straight to these pre-filtered pages where you can amend dates and filter your search even further.
Another great way to save money on your next staycation is to choose a more affordable destination. The popularity of some regions means that the price tag is often higher, but there are plenty of others that offer the same beauty and unforgettable experiences without the hefty price tag.
A cheaper price doesn’t always mean that you’re compromising on quality. In fact, many regions across the UK naturally offer better value because demand is more evenly spread throughout the year. Counties like Lancashire, County Durham and Lincolnshire often deliver exceptional affordability compared to hotspots such as Cornwall or the Lake District, where prices rise sharply due to seasonal demand.
Opting for cheaper regions can also enhance your experience in other ways. These destinations tend to be quieter, with fewer crowds at popular attractions, beaches or on walking routes, giving you more space to relax and explore at your own pace.
If you’re searching for inspiration, we’ve already analysed which regions are the most affordable so far in 2026 in our guide to the cheapest destinations in the UK, which is the perfect starting point for those on a budget.
But we didn’t stop there, we also asked Brits which towns and cities they believe offer the best value for money and the results uncovered some brilliant hidden gems. So if you’re looking for an alternative for your next holiday check out the places that British travellers say give you the most for you money.
We’re not surprised at this list, each of these locations offers something different, from traditional seaside charm to bustling city entertainment, there’s something for everyone here.
Positioned proudly at number one, Blackpool is a brilliant budget-friendly getaway. With a wealth of amenities and attractions within walking distance, there are plenty of great free days out. Spend your days exploring the town’s three historic piers, building sandcastles on the beach, and using up spare change in the arcades along the waterfront.
Round off your day with a classic portion of chips for a truly traditional seaside experience. If you’re visiting between September and December, don’t miss the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. These free festive lights run the whole length of the promenade and make the town a truly magical place to visit.
A little further down the list is Liverpool, one of the best city breaks in the UK. You can begin your adventures down at The Royal Albert Dock, where you can take a stroll along the waterfront, visit museums or stop by one of the many restaurants and cafés. In the warmer months, the top of Liverpool ONE makes a great spot for picnics, while Sefton Park, just outside of the city centre, is home to green space and its own array of coffee shops and eateries.
Also on the list is Southport, a seaside gem that’s ideal for both families and friends. It’s home to one of the UK’s most impressive beaches and the Sefton Coastal Path. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a more ambitious walk, this stunning coastal route stretches for 21 miles!
Choosing a more affordable destination doesn’t just save you money, it often leads you to experiences you might not have discovered otherwise!
One of the simplest ways to book a UK holiday on a budget is to opt for a shorter break. Not only do you save money on accommodation, but you’re also likely to save on food, activities and day-to-day costs while you’re away. It all adds up!
Our latest booking data shows that short breaks are becoming increasingly popular, growing by 14% year-on-year from FY24 to FY25. In fact, they now make up just over half of all holidays booked with us in the past 12 months. With the average short break lasting 3.53 days, travellers are discovering that a long weekend or midweek getaway still offers plenty of time to relax, explore, and make lasting memories, without the bigger price tag of a full week away.
It’s clear that more and more people are seeing the appeal of short breaks, especially when looking for the cheapest way to book a holiday. In fact, our Staycation Index found that one of the top reasons people choose short breaks is because they’re more cost-effective.
The good news? Most booking sites allow you to filter by break length, so you can quickly see what’s available for a long weekend or midweek getaway.
You’ll find a wonderful range of properties perfect for a budget-friendly stay. Whether you’re dreaming of the coast or tranquil countryside, a shorter break could be exactly what you need, and you might just be surprised by how much you can fit into a few days!
For more details on the rise of short breaks and the most popular locations, check out our guide to the best UK short breaks or jump straight into your search with these popular options.
Another of the best ways to book a UK holiday on a budget is by being flexible with when you can travel. Shifting your plans up by just a few days could lead to significant savings, especially during busy periods.
If you can travel midweek instead of over a weekend, you’ll often find lower prices and better availability. You’ll also find there are fewer crowds too! Many holidaymakers still aim for Friday-to-Sunday stays, so choosing to arrive and leave midweek can help you secure a much better deal.
Likewise, if you’re not tied to school holidays, you’ll find that many popular properties tend to drop in price during the quieter periods. A holiday home that’s in high demand in early August could cost considerably less just a few weeks earlier or later.
You should also consider booking during the shoulder seasons. These are periods outside of the UK’s peak summer, typically:
During these windows, demand dips slightly, but you’ll still benefit from pleasant weather, great availability and fewer people competing for the same properties. You might even find that attractions are cheaper, beaches quieter and that queues are shorter while you’re away.
How to be flexible with dates on Sykes Holiday Cottages:
Planning ahead and staying flexible gives you the best chance of securing a stay to remember for a much lower price.
Did you know that most websites allow you to set a maximum filter price before you even start browsing? It’s a simple but effective way to make sure you only see holidays that within your budget and stops you falling in love with a property that’s way out of reach.
Holidays should be exciting not stressful at Sykes Holiday Cottages we’re firm believers that you can experience and unforgettable holiday, whatever the budget. By setting your price from the very beginning, you can focus on finding somewhere you truly love and know you can afford. It also removes the risk of price shock later your search, keeping the whole process simple and stress-free.
How to filter by budget with Sykes Holiday Cottages:
So instead of stretching your budget for the perfect place, find the perfect place that already fits your budget, you might just love it even more for it!
Last but not least… keep an eye out for the bargains! If you’re wondering how to book the cheapest holiday, one of the easiest ways is to stay up to date with the latest deals, rewards and special offers from holiday providers.
Many holiday brands run regular promotions, and being in the know could help you secure a brilliant bargain breaks.
At Sykes our discount blog is updated regularly with last-minute offers, seasonal promotions and limited-time discounts, it’s the perfect place to check before you book. You never know what incredible savings you might get.
It’s also worth downloading our app and joining Bloom our rewards scheme designed to help you get more from your Sykes getaways. As a member you can enjoy exclusive perks, access to early offers and money off based on your level.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring this impressive selection of holiday cottages across the UK and book your next budget-friendly escape today.
Data and findings in this article are drawn from a range of internal and external sources to provide an accurate snapshot of the UK staycation market and booking trends.
Insights into the wider staycation market are taken from the Sykes 2025 Staycation Index, which analysed booking data from 22,500 Sykes Holiday Cottages properties during 2025. This data was used to assess booking behaviour and pricing trends, with comparisons made against year-to-date and full-year data from 2019 to 2024 to identify longer-term market patterns.
Supporting consumer insights were gathered through independent research conducted by OnePoll, surveying 2,000 UK adults in April 2025, to understand attitudes towards UK staycations, booking behaviour and value-driven travel decisions.
Findings relating to the most affordable UK destinations are based on additional consumer research carried out by OnePoll in November 2025, using a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, exploring perceptions of value and affordability across UK towns and cities.
Trends around short breaks, including growth and average length of stay, were analysed using internal Sykes Holiday Cottages booking data, comparing short break bookings across fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
So, now that you know how to book a UK holiday on a budget, why wait? Put these tips into action and secure your perfect low‑cost getaway by browsing the top UK destinations for 2026.
by Maia Noden / Travel Tips
Hi! I'm Maia, and I have been working in UK travel since January 2024. I’m originally from Chester, and I studied Journalism at ...
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