Staycations can be surprisingly expensive, but experts have rounded up the most affordable options, with Derry in Northern Ireland claiming the top position.
The new report looked at a number of cost factors, including meal prices, transport costs and pint prices alongside cultural offerings such as museums, theatres and green spaces.
As rising living costs continue to affect holiday budgets, the research by SumUp highlights the local destinations that offer cultural experiences and adventure without excessive expense.
Derry achieved the highest overall score of 71.32 out of 100, followed by Edinburgh in second place and Liverpool securing the third position. Derry's top ranking was driven by exceptional affordability across multiple categories. The city recorded the lowest average meal cost in the study at just £10, making dining out accessible for budget-conscious travellers.
Derry is the most affordable staycation destination, according to research
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The Northern Irish city also offered the cheapest pint among all locations analysed, with an average price of £3.97. Coffee drinkers can enjoy one of the most affordable cups in the UK at £3.14.
These low prices helped Derry achieve its lead in the rankings, demonstrating that domestic travel doesn't need to cost the earth, and can even be cheaper than travelling overseas.
Top 10 ranking of budget-friendly UK staycations
- Derry - 71.32
- Edinburgh - 60.85
- Liverpool - 58.39
- Preston - 57.42
- Belfast - 53.31
- Kingston upon Hull - 53.05
- Nottingham - 52.86
- Leicester - 50.13
- Sheffield - 47.34
- Stoke-on-Trent - 47.19
The scoring system gave each city a score out of 100 based on factors like accommodation costs, dining expenses, transport prices and the availability of cultural attractions.
Northern cities dominated the rankings, with both Derry and Belfast representing Northern Ireland in the top five positions.
Edinburgh's second-place finish with a score of 60.85 was bolstered by its exceptional cultural offerings and safety credentials. The Scottish capital boasted the highest concentration of museums in the study, with 26 per 100,000 residents.
These institutions range from the prestigious Royal Yacht Britannia to the family-friendly Museum of Childhood. As an added bonus, Edinburgh also achieved the highest safety rating among all cities analysed, scoring 69 out of 100.
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Edinburgh achieved the highest safety rating among all cities analysed, scoring 69 out of 100
GETTYThis mix of cultural richness and security makes the city particularly attractive for families and solo travellers after an enriching yet affordable break within the UK.
Liverpool's third-place finish with 58.39 points was driven by its abundance of free activities, offering 173 per 100,000 residents. The city leads all destinations with 57 landmarks per 100,000 people, including the Royal Albert Dock, Anfield Stadium and Liverpool Cathedral.
Other notable findings include Preston's fourth-place ranking despite having the most fashion designer stores at 45 per 100,000 residents. Leicester offers the UK's cheapest coffee at £2.67 per cappuccino, whilst Stoke-on-Trent provides the most affordable transport with 5km taxi journeys costing just £7.05.
Product marketing Lead at SumUp Corin Camenisch said: "While some of the cities in our report are popular hotspots among tourists, we hope to shed insight on budget-friendly locations that can also provide memorable experiences that are rich in culture without breaking the bank."
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