Bank holiday getaways that won't break the bank
3rd April 2023
Travel More for Less
Plan Bank Holidays Ahead for Budget Getaways
Making more out of less has never been more important as rising costs continue to put pressure on wallets making luxuries, like travel, seem out of reach. However, with clever planning and co-ordination of diaries, adventures that make the most out of Bank holidays with the least impact on the bank balance are there for the taking.
Plan ahead and take advantage of great savings on rail travel by booking an Advance ticket and save an average of 43% on a ‘walk-up fare’. Generally available up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and on sale up until the day of travel, Advance tickets are valid exclusively on the date and train specified. Advance tickets are brilliant for saving money on long journeys, and you can enjoy scenic routes by reserving your favourite seat while you book. With up to half a million Advance tickets released each week for less than £10, taking the time to prepare a trip ahead of time has some serious financial upsides.
Railcards can also be used when booking most Advanced tickets taking another 1/3 off the ticket price, visit Railcard.co.uk to find out which Railcard suits you best. Once travel is sorted look for extra discounts on your trip with a host of 2FOR1 offers on attractions from DaysOutGuide.co.uk. Listing over 300 venues and attractions across Great Britain with great discounts for rail travelers, book an extra day or so off work around the Bank Holiday break to really maximise the fun.
Easter City Breaks
Bank holidays: April 7 (Good Friday) to April 10 (Easter Monday)
Why not visit a new city to take in culture, museums and history? Great Britain has no short supply of exciting cities to discover, each with its own character and charm.
Edinburgh has everything from the heritage of narrow Old Town alleys to modern fine dining restaurants and traditional pubs to explore. Check out Edinburgh Castle, its towering spires and battle-scarred walls. Looming on top of a dormant volcano at the end of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s medieval spire awaits. For epic views of the castle, be sure to climb Arthur’s Seat.
Stations: Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket
Looking for a city with a creative spirit? Look no further than Bristol. Packed with sprawling parks, one-of-a-kind interactive museums and inland surf parks as well as nearby seaside towns, Bristol offers a huge variety of unique experiences. Visit Aerospace Bristol to learn about the history of air travel, from the first powered flights to today’s cutting-edge technology. Alternatively, enter the wonderful world of Meridia at Wake The Tiger, the world’s first ever “amazement park”. Pitched as an immersive art experience, Wake The Tiger features hidden forests, secret passages and, among other surreal spots, ice caves!
Stations: Bristol Temple Meads
Royal Getaways for Early May | King’s Coronation bank holiday
Bank holidays: May 1 and May 8
Catch a train to witness the pomp and spectacle of the King’s Coronation with a trip to London this May. Take a trip to the capital to soak up the atmosphere and see famous landmarks as history is made. DaysOutGuide.co.uk boasts a wide array of discounts on the top sights including St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge. Venture further afield and discover our naval heritage with a trip to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich where you can learn about life at sea onboard the fastest sailing ship of its time. There is plenty for everyone in the family to explore; take the helm, stroll across the main deck, climb the rigging or visit the crews' quarters.
Stations: Euston, Paddington, Kings Cross, St Pancras, Waterloo, London Bridge
Back in medieval times the historic city of York was the royalist stronghold of the nation. Explore magnificent York Minster, just a fifteen-minute walk from York station to admire the grandeur of its soaring gothic arches and intricate stone carvings. The Rose Window, a stained-glass masterpiece located in the South Transept of the cathedral, signifies the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster. Following a dose of history wander down the iconic Shambles, a quaint, cobblestone street lined with medieval buildings, purportedly the inspiration for ‘Diagon Alley’ in the Harry Potter series or stand on the site of one of the most famous and astounding discoveries of modern archaeology, at the world famous JORVIK Viking Centre. York is an ideal place for shopping too, nearby Shambles market is great for sourcing bargains you won’t find anywhere else. Easily reachable via direct trains from Leeds, London and Hull, book ahead for the best value.
Station: York
Coastal Capers Spring bank holiday
Bank holiday: May 29
Brighton is a modern seaside resort known for its characterful shops, diversity in arts and culture, and a flourishing LGBTQ+ scene. Boasting one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, it makes for a brilliant day out in the warm weather. From the train station, it’s a brief walk to Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and with a combination of permanent and temporary exhibitions, there are always new attractions for visitors to delight in. Wander down to Brighton Palace Pier to take in the stunning coastal landscape on a stroll along the beach – a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine or check out Saltdean Lido, an art deco masterpiece recently restored by the community – and its heated!
Station: Brighton
Situated in the gorgeous ‘English Riviera’ of coastal Devon, Torquay is an idyllic place to spend in the sunshine. This quintessentially traditional seaside town boasts some of Britain's most spectacular beaches. Torquay Harbour offers romantic walks along a promenade packed with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques – not to mention picturesque views out to sea from Princess Pier. Families might enjoy a visit to the model boating pond in King’s Garden, as well as the 800-year-old Torre Abbey boasting interactive displays for all ages to enjoy (including talking portraits!). If the weather is good take time to roam through seven acres of grounds too, including an Agatha Christie-inspired ‘Potent Plants Garden’. Travelling to Torquay is straightforward with direct rail services from Birmingham, Bristol, London and more – what are you waiting for?
Station: Torquay
High Summer Hidden Gems Summer bank holiday
Bank holiday: August 28
One of England’s most underrated destinations, Peterborough is bursting with brilliant days out for families, couples and groups. From outdoor adventures and quirky museums to fantastic theatre and awesome escape rooms, there’s something for everyone in this pretty cathedral city. Keep the family entertained with a host of activities from newly opened Puttstars for guaranteed fun for families with kids of all ages. This indoor crazy golf course will have you swinging for the fences over 9 action-packed holes. Alternatively, make a splash at Peterborough WakePark, an awesome wakeboarding pool just outside the town centre. There are beginner’s classes for newbies, challenging jumps for seasoned pros and plenty for everyone in between. The park is open all year round. Be sure to book online in advance for weekends and school holidays – Peterborough WakePark is very popular.
Station: Peterborough
According to Met Office data, Eastbourne is Britain’s sunniest place, so up your vitamin D with a trip to the sea and visit this picture-perfect town in East Sussex. Selected as the venue for the 2023 Turner Prize, there are contemporary art exhibitions, cultural and social experiences ready to enchant visitors from the get-go. From the train station, take a short walk to Towner Art Gallery, where Lothar Götz’s colourful murals feature on the exterior. Then wander up to Eastbourne Pier to take in the stunning coastal landscape and stroll along the sandy beach – a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine. Take part in water sports from kayaking to surf hire and finish the day by refuelling at one of the numerous fish and chip bars.
Station: Eastbourne
Make the most of Bank Holidays in Britain, check out Advance tickets for the cheapest train fares and www.DaysOutGuide.co.uk for great deals on attractions and travel more, for less.
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Advance Tickets
1/2 a million Advance train tickets for less than £10 are released weekly across Britain. Buy in advance and save an average of up to 43% on train tickets to get the best value fare for your journey. Tickets generally go on sale up to three months in advance of when you plan to travel. However, some train companies still offer them up to 1-2 hours before the service is scheduled to depart. For more information visit www.NationalRail.co.uk/Advance
2FOR1
A great way to save money off trips and excursions when you travel by train, 2FOR1 offers discounted entry to nearly 350 attractions nationwide, including ZSL London Zoo, Hampton Court Palace, and Kew Gardens. For more information visit www.DaysOutGuide.co.uk
About Railcards
With a Railcard, rail users can save 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain, saving an average of £142 a year on rail fares. At just £30 a year, most Railcard customers make the cost back in just one or two journeys, whether visiting family, making new memories with friends or just exploring somewhere new. Visiting Railcard.co.uk gives all the options available, whether you’re 16-25, 26-30, or 60+, and whether you travel solo, as a couple, or as a family, there is pretty much a Railcard for everyone. For more information visit www.Railcard.co.uk
About National Rail
Rail Delivery Group manages National Rail products and services on behalf of the rail industry. National Rail provides customers with journey planning, real time, fares and rail-related information. National Rail also helps customers save 1/3 on most rail journeys (and 60% on kids’ fares) with Railcards. The range of Railcards consists of 16-25, 26-30, Family & Friends, Two Together, Senior, Disabled Persons, Veterans and Network Railcard. There is also a 16-17 Saver that saves customers 50% off their rail journeys, including season tickets. For more information visit www.Railcard.co.uk. For more information on journey planning, fares and booking travel assistance visit www.NationalRail.co.uk