British holidaymakers are ditching airport queues and expensive overseas holidays in favour of cheaper UK breaks this summer, with new data showing searches for UK staycations have surged by 157 per cent in the past three months.
Holidaymakers looking to travel from London can enjoy an affordable staycation, with trains from £7.
Travel platform Omio revealed seven of the cheapest and easiest staycation routes from London, helping holidaymakers enjoy a budget-friendly getaway by rail or ferry instead of flying abroad.
The destinations range from classic seaside escapes to historic cities and countryside retreats, with one spot even offering pints for just £1.99.
Oxford is the most affordable place to visit from London
|GETTY
Cheapest UK staycation routes from London
- Oxford – fares from £6 one way
- Stratford-upon-Avon – fares from £7 one way
- Brighton – fares from £9 one way
- Isle of Wight – fares from £15 one way
- Bath – fares from £15 one way
- York – fares from £17 one way
- Belfast – ferry fares from £20 one way
Oxford
With rail fares from only £6 one way, Oxford offers one of the cheapest city breaks from the capital. The historic university city is packed with famous colleges, cobbled lanes and centuries-old pubs, making it ideal for travellers looking for culture and history without spending heavily.
Visitors can also enjoy punting along the River Cherwell, browse independent bookshops or explore the city’s museums and botanical gardens.
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Stratford-upon-Avon
Best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon offers a slower-paced countryside escape from London. Rail fares start from just £7 one way, making it one of the cheapest destinations on the list.
Visitors can enjoy riverside walks, historic streets, independent shops and cosy pubs, while nearby countryside stays offer the perfect opportunity to switch off and reconnect with nature.
Brighton
Brighton continues to be one of the most popular quick escapes from London thanks to its lively atmosphere and direct rail connections. Train fares start from just £9 one way, making it one of the most affordable beach breaks available.
The East Sussex city is known for its iconic pebble beach, colourful Brighton Palace Pier and the maze of independent shops and cafes hidden within The Lanes. Visitors can spend the day enjoying fish and chips on the seafront before heading to one of the city’s bustling bars for sunset drinks.
Isle of Wight
For Britons craving a traditional seaside holiday, the Isle of Wight remains one of the UK’s most charming coastal escapes.
Holidaymakers can travel by train from London to Southampton before catching a ferry across to the island, with fares starting from just £15 one way.
The island is famous for its sandy beaches, quaint villages and scenic coastal walks, while cyclists flock there for its peaceful countryside routes. Visitors can also enjoy one of the cheapest pints around, with some local pubs serving drinks from just £1.99.
Brighton is a top option for a beach break
| PA
York is one of England’s most picturesque cities
| GETTYBath
Bath has long been a favourite for relaxing UK city breaks thanks to its elegant Georgian streets and famous Roman Baths.
Rail fares from London start from £15 one way, offering an easy escape for travellers seeking history, culture and spa-style relaxation. The Somerset city is also packed with boutique hotels, independent cafes and beautiful architecture.
York
York remains one of England’s most picturesque cities, attracting visitors with its medieval streets, ancient walls and historic pubs. Train fares from London start from £17 one way, making it an accessible northern getaway for weekend travellers.
The city’s famous Shambles, York Minster and cosy cafes make it perfect for culture-filled breaks.
Belfast
For those wanting a longer UK adventure without boarding a plane, Belfast offers a unique rail-and-ferry getaway.
Travellers can take the train from London to Holyhead before boarding a ferry to Dublin and continuing onwards to Belfast, with ferry fares starting from £20 one way.
Northern Ireland’s capital is home to the famous Titanic Quarter, lively traditional pubs and a growing food scene, while nearby coastal routes make it ideal for scenic day trips.
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